In a bold move to address prison overcrowding and modernize its penal infrastructure, France has announced the construction of 17 modular prisons across the country. These facilities, set to provide 1,500 places for inmates on semi-liberty, mark a significant shift in the nation's approach to incarceration. The initiative, spearheaded by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, aims to deliver these structures by 2027, at half the cost and in a fraction of the time required for traditional prison construction.

The selected sites span various regions, including Troyes-Lavau, Brest, Lille-Sequedin, and Mont-de-Marsan, among others. This strategic distribution underscores the government's commitment to alleviating pressure on the existing prison system nationwide. Nine companies have been tasked with bringing these projects to fruition, leveraging industrial construction techniques to expedite the process and reduce costs.

Modular prisons, as envisioned by the French government, are not makeshift solutions but fully functional facilities built in factories before being assembled on-site. This method, inspired by practices in the UK and Germany, promises to cut construction time from seven years to just 18 months per facility. The cost savings are equally impressive, with each place in a modular prison costing approximately 200,000 euros, compared to 400,000 euros for traditional prisons.

Beyond addressing immediate overcrowding, this initiative reflects a broader strategy to modernize France's penal system. With a second tender expected soon to add another 1,500 places, the government is on track to meet its ambitious target of 3,000 new prison spots. This approach not only demonstrates France's innovative response to a pressing social issue but also sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges.