Key facts
- Paris prosecutors have launched a preliminary inquiry into alleged workplace bullying in French government departments.
- The investigation was prompted by the attempted suicide of a staff member in a service handling correspondence for the prime minister's office.
- Reports suggest at least two government employees have died by suicide and two others have attempted suicide in the past year.
- A complaint filed in June alleged institutional bullying contributed to a staff member's suicide attempt.
- Multiple internal government inquiries are also examining specific cases and overall workplace well-being.
The Paris state prosecutor has initiated a preliminary inquiry into allegations of workplace bullying within French government departments, following the attempted suicide of a staff member. France Inter radio reported that two government employees have died by suicide and two others have attempted suicide over the past year, with complaints of bullying surfacing.
A staff representative filed a complaint in June, alleging that "presumed institutional bullying" led to a staff member's suicide attempt. This has prompted the prosecutor's investigation. Three separate internal government inquiries are also underway to examine specific cases and the broader issue of workplace well-being across dozens of departments and missions operating under the prime minister's services.
The staff member at the center of the prosecutor's inquiry worked in a service responsible for correspondence for the prime minister's office. Her lawyer described her experience as being made to feel "invisible," excluded from meetings, and subjected to mockery akin to playground bullying.
Senior officials from the prime minister's services acknowledged the suicides and attempted suicides, expressing condolences and emphasizing that psychological welfare is a "constant priority." They announced a specialist audit on workplace well-being and stated that investigations into the deaths are ongoing in cooperation with trade union representatives. Officials clarified that none of the individuals concerned worked directly with the prime minister or in his immediate office.