The Government of Emmanuel Macron is once again facing a silent tragedy that strikes from within its own administration. In the last six months, at least 13 employees of the General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFIP), an agency under the Ministry of Economy of France, died by suicide.
This alarming figure is compounded by another eight suicide attempts recorded during the same period. The gravity of the case has triggered alarms in Paris and has led the Executive to implement urgent psychological assistance programs.
According to the French outlet Le Monde, this situation is eerily reminiscent of the France Télécom case, which between 2008 and 2009 recorded 19 suicides and 12 attempts in the context of a restructuring process that was later judicially classified as institutional harassment.
La policia francesa cortando la calle.
It is worth noting that the DGFIP was created precisely in 2008, following the forced merger between the tax and public accounting services, a reorganization that is now once again under scrutiny.
Both union sources and specialists cited by French media attribute this alarming situation to constant structural pressure, unattainable targets, mandatory transfers, and a progressive deterioration of working conditions.
Today, the French Ministry of Economy is forced to provide explanations in the face of a crisis with similar characteristics. The head of the DGFIP, Amélie Verdier, acknowledged the seriousness of the problem in a conversation with Le Monde: "I absolutely do not want to minimize these deaths. They are traumatizing tragedies and worrying figures."
Although no judicial complaints have been filed so far, concern is growing. France is once again facing an internal tragedy that puts the functioning and integrity of its public administration in jeopardy.
El presidente de Francia, Emmanuel Macron.
Background
On January 10, employees at the Saint-Denis public finance center witnessed a devastating scene upon arriving at their workplace: a young inspector, under 30 years old, was found hanged in the building's lobby.
According to Le Monde, the official had left his post the previous day, but returned that same night to end his life in the place where he worked. The tragedy deeply affected the staff, especially because the young man's parents are also part of the administrative staff.
This event marked the beginning of a series of unprecedented suicides. Since January 1, the Ministry of Economy has recorded more than 20 cases, including completed suicides and attempts, within the General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFIP) throughout France.
