Three questions on the protection of politicians in France

In France, for example, the protection of the head of state is provided by the GSPR. This mixed unit is made up of around 80 personnel, half of whom are gendarmes and half of whom are police officers.

How could a 20-year-old man open fire on Donald Trump in Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 13? This is one of the major questions raised after the assassination attempt on the former American president. Criticism is rife against the Secret Service, the agency responsible for protecting the President of the United States and presidential candidates. And in France, how is this happening? Franceinfo answers it in three questions.

1 How is the President of the Republic protected?

When the President of the Republic is in the Élysée Palace, he is protected by the 1st Regiment of the Republican Guard. But when he is outside, on official or private trips, the Security Group of the Presidency of the Republic (GSPR) takes over. This elite unit has 78 hand-picked police officers and gendarmes who come from the GIGN, the intervention group of the national gendarmerie, and the national police protection service (SDLP). These men and women manage the close security of the head of state.

But to seal off a wider security perimeter during a meeting or a trip, they rely on CRS companies, gendarmes and local police.

2 Is this security device foolproof?

Despite a significant security system, there can be gaps. The latest example: the slap received by Emmanuel Macron, three years ago, in June 2021. While traveling in Drôme, the head of state made an impromptu stop to greet the crowd in Tain-l’Hermitage. A man behind the barriers then managed to hit him, despite the presence of several officers around the president.

Another striking example, this time more than 20 years ago, in 2002. Jacques Chirac escaped a rifle shot while walking down the Champs-Elysées during the July 14 parade. The shooter had managed to get as close as the barriers without being checked. In the aftermath, security around Jacques Chirac had been reinforced.

3 How are other political figures protected?

High-profile politicians, such as presidential candidates, can benefit from the protection of the national police protection service. But the number of police officers made available differs between each candidate. Several criteria come into play, but the national police leadership does not want to say too much. It indicates that the SDPL relies, for example, on the work of the Anti-Terrorism Competition Unit to adjust its system.

Candidates are also supported by activists to ensure their security. And they sometimes employ their own private bodyguards. But here too, this does not prevent incidents. In 2022, a man managed to crush an egg on Éric Zemmour’s skull. François Hollande was floured in 2012, as was François Fillon in 2017.