Source: transparency-france.org
Anti-corruption NGO Transparency International France has published a detailed analysis of citizen whistleblowing in France, based on data from its Centre d’accompagnement juridique et d’action citoyenne (CAJAC), which supports individuals in reporting misconduct. The analysis provides an overview of the state of whistleblowing in the country, following the transposition of the EU Whistleblowing Directive (2019/1937) into French law through Law No. 2022-401, and highlights both progress and ongoing challenges.
The report entitled “État des lieux de l’alerte citoyenne en France – Analyse des données issues de notre Centre d’Accompagnement Juridique et d’Action Citoyenne” emphasises that while legal frameworks have improved, many whistleblowers continue to face significant obstacles, including a lack of protection and support, as well as insufficient public awareness.
Key Findings:
- Ongoing obstacles for whistleblowers: Despite the transposition of the EU Directive and legal improvements, many whistleblowers continue to face significant challenges, including inadequate protection and support.
- Lack of public awareness: Whistleblowers often struggle with insufficient knowledge of their rights and the protections available to them under the updated legal framework.
- Legal and financial difficulties: Citizens who report misconduct frequently encounter legal and financial obstacles, making it difficult to pursue their cases.
- Need for stronger mechanisms: The report underscores the need for more robust safeguards to protect whistleblowers from retaliation and to provide them with the resources necessary to defend their claims.
Transparency International France calls for further action to ensure that whistleblowers can report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation and with access to the necessary resources to defend their cases. The report also suggests improvements to how citizen alerts are handled, advocating for better protection and greater transparency in the process.
This analysis serves as a reminder that while France has made progress in establishing legal protections for whistleblowers, more needs to be done to ensure that citizens feel empowered to report misconduct and that their voices are heard without facing undue risks.