France's ambitious plan to build 15,000 new prison places by 2027, initiated by President Emmanuel Macron in 2017, is facing significant delays.

Justice Minister Didier Migaud announced that only 4,500 places have been completed, citing land acquisition issues and local opposition as major hurdles.

Despite the lack of progress, Migaud plans to propose exceptional measures to bypass local resistance for national interest projects.

As of October 2024, France's prison population reached a record high of 79,631, with a density of 127.9%, placing France among the worst in Europe for prison overcrowding.

The minister aims to partially recover the delay but acknowledges the target will not be met by 2027.