Presidential candidate Gabriel Attal is reportedly considering a system of political appointments, mirroring the American “spoils system,” by placing individuals aligned with his policies in leadership positions within French public administrations. This concept, where government jobs are awarded to supporters, is not novel in French political discourse. It was previously suggested during Emmanuel Macron’s presidency, sparking debate about its potential impact on the neutrality of the civil service. Attal, running as a Renaissance party candidate, believes this approach would allow him to more effectively implement his agenda if elected. Critics worry such a system could politicize the administration and potentially lead to less qualified individuals holding key positions. The proposal is fueling discussion about the balance between political control and the independence of France’s public sector.