'Toxic' work environment: Series of suicides among French PM's office staff

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's office has expressed deep concern over multiple suicides and suicide attempts, reports The Telegraph.

Since last October, two employees committed suicide, two attempted suicide, and one died mysteriously in departments under the Prime Minister's Office (SPM).

Following this incident, the Prosecutor's Office has launched a criminal investigation into allegations of workplace harassment, specifically focusing on "psychological harassment."

Comprising 50 departments and nearly 3,500 staff, the SPM directly handles the coordination of the PM's office. However, none of the victims worked directly under the current PM.

In April, a female official named Laura attempted suicide by jumping in front of a train, but she survived thanks to the swift action of a passenger. According to a report by France Inter radio, she had prepared a will and made funeral arrangements several months prior to the incident.

According to her lawyer, Christelle Mazza, Laura—a civil servant with 30 years of professional experience—was the victim of professional isolation and humiliation.

Lawyer Mazza told France Inter radio that Laura was not invited to any meetings and her name was removed from the organization's chart. She was treated just like students who are bullied in school.

French President Emmanuel Macron decided to dissolve the National Assembly; four prime ministers were changed over the past two years. Employees at the SPM partially attribute this bitter work environment to political uncertainty.

An anonymous source told France Inter, "Every four to six months, a new team arrives. The chief of staff comes in and immediately wants to build their own new structure.

The entire team changes, everything from the office decor to the telephones is replaced, and we are left to adapt to it all over again. "

Last October, a civil servant in the Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (DILA) attempted suicide with a knife at his workplace.

In March, a project manager at the General Secretariat for Investment (SGPI) committed suicide at his home.

According to records, a few days prior to the incident, against a backdrop of management failures, he got into a heated argument with his office manager over allegations of stealing a bottle of alcohol.

Two days later, a 59-year-old official from the General Secretariat of the Government committed suicide by jumping in front of a train in Val-d'Oise.

Driven by severe psychological distress at the workplace, the incident occurred amidst ongoing staff layoffs in the department, where he was frequently on sick leave. Lawyer Mazza further added,

"We are witnessing unacceptable behavior; there is intense and ruthless competition among civil servants here. Essentially, to get ahead, you have to step over someone else. Especially in this kind of political and professional context, these positions are extremely attractive and highly coveted."

Regarding the October suicide attempt, the spokesperson noted that the medical committee found no work-related factors involved. Internal investigations are currently underway regarding the two suicide incidents that occurred in different departments.