Paris authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into allegations of workplace bullying following the attempted suicide of a staff member in a department linked to the French prime minister’s office. The inquiry comes amid broader concerns over staff wellbeing within government services.

The complaint, submitted by a staff representative in June, cited “presumed institutional bullying” as a contributing factor to the employee’s self-harm attempt. The individual involved worked in a division responsible for managing correspondence for the prime minister’s office, according to reports.

Two separate government employees reportedly died by suicide in the last year, with two others having attempted suicide. These developments have prompted both internal and judicial examinations. Three internal government investigations are currently underway: some focus on specific incidents, while others address overall workplace wellbeing.

The staff member’s lawyer, Christelle Mazza, described conditions that included social exclusion and mockery, saying her client was deliberately marginalized—excluded from meetings, removed from staff lists, and subjected to what she characterized as “playground bullying.” She also noted that the frequent government instability—heightened by President Emmanuel Macron’s dissolution of the national assembly and the forthcoming snap election in June 2024—had exacerbated stress within government offices.

Representatives from the prime minister’s department issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to psychological welfare as a “constant priority.” They announced plans for a comprehensive audit of workplace conditions. The department confirmed that one attempted suicide had been investigated and found unrelated to work within the service, while the current inquiry centers on the case linked to the bullying allegations. Ongoing investigations are also examining the two suicide deaths.

In light of these events, attention has turned to the pressures faced by public servants and the measures in place to support their mental health and professional environment. Support services, including the Samaritans helpline at 116 123, remain available for those in need.