In a significant development within the realm of public service, the union representing volunteer firefighters in France, known as the Syndicat des Sapeurs-Pompiers Volontaires de France (SSPVF), has initiated legal action against Sébastien Lecornu, who recently stepped down as Prime Minister. The union's complaint, which was filed on the afternoon of October 10, 2025, alleges "abuse of power" in relation to the controversial pension reforms that have stirred considerable debate across the nation.

Background on the Complaint

The crux of the grievance lies in the government's recent announcement that starting in 2026, volunteer firefighters will receive a bonus of additional retirement quarters, contingent upon their years of service. Specifically, the proposal stipulates that firefighters will earn one additional quarter of credit after completing 15 years of service, followed by an additional quarter for every five years served thereafter, capping at a total of three additional quarters. This announcement has not only left many volunteer firefighters dissatisfied but has also led to accusations of the government failing to adhere to existing legislation.

The Legal Framework

The law in question is the one enacted on April 14, 2023, which includes a provision (Article 24) designed to support volunteer firefighters in their retirement planning. This article articulates that firefighters who have served for a minimum of ten years, whether continuously or intermittently, are entitled to additional quarters that count toward their pension calculations. The intent behind this legislation was to acknowledge the essential contributions of volunteer firefighters, who often risk their lives to protect their communities.

However, the implementation of this law has been hindered by the absence of a necessary decree from the Conseil d'État that would provide the specific guidelines for the application of these benefits. The SSPVF has highlighted this in their complaint, emphasizing that the lack of this decree effectively denies firefighters a legally recognized social benefit, thereby undermining the principle of legal effectiveness and leading to potential inequalities in public service obligations.

Union's Position and Statements

Bruno Ménard, the Secretary General of the SSPVF, has been vocal about the discontent within the ranks of volunteer firefighters. In his statements to BFM Business, Ménard expressed his frustration, stating, "A law has been passed, and it must be respected and implemented. The Prime Minister cannot choose to modify it at will." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among firefighters that their rights and entitlements are being overlooked by the government.

Government's Response

In response to the union's allegations, Sébastien Lecornu's office defended the government's position. The cabinet clarified that the stipulation requiring 15 years of service prior to receiving the additional quarters is justified by the wording of the law, which mentions "at least" ten years of service. The government argues that this interpretation is consistent with the average service duration of volunteer firefighters, which is reported to be approximately 12.5 years.

Moreover, the Prime Minister's office contends that the complaint against Lecornu is premature, given that the decree has yet to undergo the necessary review by the Conseil d'État. The government has assured that the decree will be published in the official journal before the end of the year, which would facilitate the implementation of the pension benefits as outlined in the law.

Political Context and Implications

This complaint occurs against a backdrop of ongoing political turmoil in France, where the recent resignation of Lecornu has amplified tensions between the government and public service unions. The pension reform itself has drawn intense scrutiny and backlash from various sectors, with many arguing that the changes disproportionately affect those in public service roles, including firefighters.

Parliamentary Concerns

Several members of the French Parliament have raised concerns regarding the delay in the publication of the decree. Notably, Jean Moullière, a deputy from the Horizons party in the Nord region, highlighted in a written inquiry that the Minister for the Interior had previously committed to publishing the decree by the end of June 2025. However, as of August 2025, this commitment had not been fulfilled, leading to further frustrations among public servants.

Legal Ramifications and Future Actions

The SSPVF's legal actions do not stop with the complaint against Lecornu. The union is also preparing an administrative challenge aimed at annulling the upcoming decree, which they believe fails to meet the legislative intent established in April 2023. This administrative procedure will require the formal publication of the decree in the official journal before it can be executed.

Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, noting that the complaint filed by Ménard, while directed at Lecornu, is essentially a complaint against an unnamed party. This strategic approach may be aimed at applying pressure on the government to adhere to its commitments. Bertrand Salquain, a lawyer based in Nantes, commented on the complexities of the case, suggesting that the issue of immunity for the acting Prime Minister could be contested, especially considering the brevity of his tenure in office.

Conclusion

The unfolding events have underscored the tensions between public service workers and the government, particularly in the context of pension reforms that impact the livelihoods of those who serve their communities. As the SSPVF seeks to uphold the rights of volunteer firefighters, the outcome of this legal battle may have broader implications for labor relations and public service policies in France. The situation remains dynamic, and all eyes will be on how the government responds to these mounting pressures and whether it can effectively navigate the complexities of implementing the pension reforms while maintaining the trust of its public servants.