Twelve bodyguards still ensure the security of Gérald Darmanin since his departure from Beauvau

Twelve officers, as well as three cars, still ensure the security of Gérald Darmanin after his departure from the Ministry of the Interior, AFP learned Tuesday from a source close to the matter, confirming information from the Chained Duck.

According to the satirical weekly, this protection service is superior to that put in place around the current Prime Minister Michel Barnier. But also to those of Gérald Darmanin’s predecessors at Beauvau, who “make do with one vehicle and four gorillas”.

“Strong media exposure”

Such a device can be explained, according to The Chained Duck which is based on a note from the Counter-Terrorism Coordination Unit, by “the particular sensitivity of the functions exercised by the Minister of the Interior” but also “its strong media exposure”. The former mayor of Tourcoing was placed in “T2”, the second highest level after “T1” which only applies in times of war. A new evaluation will take place at the end of the year.

Minister of the Interior between July 2020 and September 2024, Gérald Darmanin was replaced at Place Beauvau by Bruno Retailleau, former president of the Les Républicains group in the Senate.

The government presented on Thursday a draft 2025 budget including a drastic reduction in spending and a return to tax increases, in order to consolidate public finances, with the Elysée and Parliament for example renouncing the increase in their allocation.