Darmanin’s Security: A Ministerial Safe Haven or a Too-Cosy Club?
Well, well, well, it seems that our beloved former Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, has just become the poster child for what we might call the ‘high-security lifestyle’. With ten security officers and two drivers at his beck and call, you might think he’s gearing up for a secret mission—like a four-star general but without all that pesky battlefield noise!
According to Le Canard Enchaîné—a newspaper that’s as sharp as a tack—this is a “record” for a former top cop. I mean, when did having bodyguards become a lottery win? Seriously, I wonder if Darmanin’s entourage thinks that a bit of star treatment is going to distract us from pressing matters, like what was in the last cabinet meeting.
His team has responded with the usual fare of politicians: “It’s all a ‘stinking ball’ and a blatant attempt at destabilization!” Ah yes, the classic tactic of deflection, perhaps hoping we’ll all nod along like sheep in a pen. But let’s be honest here; if you were surrounded by ten security officers and two drivers, wouldn’t you feel like royalty? Who wouldn’t want to live like a Kardashian during a crisis?
Now, let’s break down the security system a bit. Gérald’s current security level is rated “T2”—which, in layman’s terms, roughly stands for “a bit more high-maintenance than your average politician but not as paranoid as a conspiracy theorist”. The security reassessment happened just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Coincidence? I think not. Suddenly everyone’s feeling unsafe, and who better to cushion them than a well-guarded ex-minister?
And get this: Darmanin’s old pal Nicolas Sarkozy had a mere ten police officers when he left the same office in 2007. Let’s play “who has more guards” for a moment! The current prime ministers are *lightly* protected in comparison: Gabriel Attal and Élisabeth Borne are lucky to share *three* security officers and a driver between them. Jean Castex would rather take his chances than ride around in a fortified tank. Honestly, the next thing we’re going to hear is Sarkozy forming a support group: “Security Officers Anonymous.”
But wait, it gets even richer. When Gérald was at the zenith of his interior ministeering days, he had a full 30 people ensuring his safety. While Bruno Retailleau currently commands a modest 26 people, you have to wonder, what’s the allure of these numbers? Are they to protect against political opponents or perhaps just to keep the snacks safe during meetings?
All said and done, perhaps we should raise a toast to Gérald Darmanin—the human embodiment of a VIP lounge at a sold-out concert. Here’s hoping his security detail has the dexterity to dodge not just threats but also journalists and critics alike. Who knows, maybe one day, we’ll be throwing around numbers for a “guard-off.”
As we sip our coffee and laugh about it all, let’s remember to keep a watchful eye on the ever-so-comfortable dynamics of political protection, because between you and me, it looks like they’ve got it all wrapped up snug as a bug in a blanket!
Ten security officers and two drivers provide protection for the former Minister of the Interior.
Published on 10/16/2024 5:59 p.m.
Reading time: 2min Gérald Darmanin, in Paris, July 31, 2024. (ALEXIS SCIARD / MAXPPP)
The security of the former Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, is currently ensured by ten security officers and two drivers, franceinfo learned, Wednesday October 16, from a source close to the matter, confirming information from Le Canard Enchaîné which speaks of “record” for a former Minister of the Interior.
The revelations of the satirical newspaper are not denied by Gérald Darmanin’s entourage, who however speaks of “stinking ball” and of “attempt at destabilization”. The former Minister of the Interior, who once again became a deputy from the North, “didn’t ask for anything”, and relied on what was decided by the administration, reacts those around him.
According to information collected by franceinfo, the security of Gérald Darmanin was reassessed for the last time at the beginning of July, two weeks before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Anti-Terrorism Coordination Unit (Uclat) then makes an assessment of the threat weighing on the minister: he is rated “T2”, which means that the threat is high. It is on this basis that the protection system, upon leaving Place Beauvau, was organized. Two days before the transfer of power at Place Beauvau, the director of the national police had also written to warn of the means necessary to ensure the safety of Gérald Darmanin.
This security system is in any case superior to that of Nicolas Sarkozy, who left Place Beauvau in 2007 surrounded by ten police officers. But Gérald Darmanin is also better protected than Emmanuel Macron’s last three prime ministers: Gabriel Attal and Élisabeth Borne benefit from three security officers and a driver. Jean Castex has renounced this security device.
When he was Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin had 30 people at his service to ensure his security. The current tenant of Place Beauvau, Bruno Retailleau, currently has 26 people to ensure his security.
