France Unveils Ambitious 2025-2029 Anti-Corruption Plan Featuring 36 Measures

The French government has launched a comprehensive four-year anti-corruption plan comprising 36 measures aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption nationwide. Running from 2025 to 2029, the initiative includes the creation of a new interministerial committee coordinated by the French Anti-Corruption Agency (Afa) to enhance cooperation and information sharing among ministries.

Key components of the plan involve training and preventive efforts, appointing a coordinator dedicated to corruption prevention and detection, and identifying government files at risk. Additionally, the National Campaign Accounts Commission will be authorized to receive financial intelligence from Tracfin, the French financial intelligence unit.

This extensive plan comes amid rising public concern and an increased number of recorded infractions. Government surveys indicate that 70% of French citizens perceive corruption as widespread—a modest rise from 2023 and above the EU average of 68%. In 2024, reported corruption cases nearly doubled compared to previous years, with police and gendarmerie reporting 934 related infractions, marking an 8.2% increase from 2023. Over the past decade, prosecutions for corruption offenses increased by 35.46%, with overseas territories showing higher conviction rates.

While Transparency International praised measures like the involvement of Tracfin, it critiqued the plan for lacking clarity and sufficient resources. The watchdog warned that without better clarity and investment, the plan might fall short in addressing new challenges such as strategic corruption and risks connected to cryptocurrencies.

The government’s commitment reflects a recognition of organized crime's role in corruption phenomena, including vulnerabilities in port security. The plan is designed to equip France with improved tools and frameworks to tackle these issues more effectively over the next four years.

This pivotal strategy signals France's intensified efforts to restore public trust and combat corruption's evolving landscape, though experts call for clearer resource allocation and robust implementation to ensure success.