Eric Dupond-Moretti’s tenure as Minister of Justice was marked by a rare longevity in the position, lasting just over four years. During his time in office, he focused on increasing the recruitment of magistrates and clerks, as well as boosting the budget for the justice system. Additionally, he implemented policies to promote amicable settlements in civil cases and strengthened efforts to combat domestic violence. However, he faced criticism for not addressing the issue of prison overcrowding and for failing to introduce any significant symbolic reforms bearing his name.
Upon his appointment in July 2020, Eric Dupond-Moretti, a well-known and left-leaning lawyer, was seen as a star recruit for Emmanuel Macron’s government. While he prioritized issues such as constitutionalizing voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG), increasing funding for prison staff, confiscating criminal assets, and adopting a new penal code for minors, he did not want his legacy to be defined solely by budget increases. Despite his efforts, he did not undertake a major reform that he could be distinctly associated with during his time as Minister of Justice.
Relations between the various magistrates’ unions and Eric Dupond-Moretti’s administration were strained from the outset, with some viewing his appointment as a “declaration of war”. However, over time, these relationships somewhat normalized, as the Minister was forced to engage in dialogue and consultation, despite his natural inclination against it. The urgent need for improved working conditions and resources within the justice system, as highlighted by the “Tribune des 3,000” in November 2021, became a focal point for reform efforts, culminating in the launch of the States-General of Justice.
Dupond-Moretti’s commitment to reforming the prosecutor’s office and opening up the profession of magistrate to wider society remained unfulfilled. While he faced resistance from some within the judiciary, he acknowledged the need for dialogue and consultation to address the profound dissatisfaction and sense of loss that pervaded the justice sector. The States-General of Justice presented an opportunity to redress these issues and provide solutions to the deep-rooted problems faced by magistrates and court clerks.
As the Minister of Justice, Dupond-Moretti’s contributions included advocating for significant policy changes to improve the justice system and better protect vulnerable groups such as domestic violence victims. However, his tenure was also marked by challenges, including rising tensions with magistrates’ unions and the failure to make substantial progress on key reforms. In the transition to a new administration, reflections on his legacy are mixed, highlighting both achievements and areas where further reforms may be needed.
