France is grappling with a severe prison overcrowding crisis, with over 80,000 inmates crammed into facilities designed for just 62,404. This has led to dire conditions, including over 4,000 prisoners sleeping on floors.

The problem is most acute in short-term detention centers, where occupancy rates exceed 156%.

Newly appointed Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has pledged reforms, including separating short-term offenders from those serving long sentences.

Despite previous measures like banning short prison terms and promoting alternative sentences, the issue persists.

France ranks third in Europe for prison overcrowding, trailing only Cyprus and Romania.

Plans to add 15,000 prison spaces by 2027 are already behind schedule, raising concerns about the feasibility of long-term solutions.