French prison unions call for blockade protests amid overcrowding crisis

France’s Ufap-Unsa union, which represents penitentiary system workers, has called for protest actions and potential blockades of prisons, stating that conditions in the sector have reached a critical level, according to BFM.

The union said the protests could affect around 80 of the country’s approximately 190 correctional facilities. The main demands include urgent measures to address overcrowding and severe staff shortages.

The prison system remains under significant strain. As of March 1, occupancy levels reached 137.5%, with 87,126 inmates held in facilities designed for fewer than 63,500 people. Authorities report that the prison population is increasing by roughly 200 inmates per week. At the same time, around 5,000 staff positions remain vacant.

Unions have warned of rising tensions in the coming months, particularly during the summer period. The Council of Europe has previously criticised prison conditions in France, citing overcrowding and poor infrastructure.

Proposed protest measures may vary locally and include blocking prisoner transfers, tightening internal controls, and suspending family visits.

The government plans to create 3,000 new modular prison places by 2027, but unions argue that these steps will not resolve the structural problems of the system.

By Jeyhun Aghazada