French Minister Proposes Cash Ban to Combat Drug Crime, Sparks National Debate

France’s Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has ignited controversy by advocating for a cashless society as a weapon against narcotics trafficking. The proposal, made during a Senate hearing, acknowledges France’s deep-rooted attachment to physical currency despite growing digital payment adoption.

"We must consider eliminating cash to disrupt the drug trade’s financial infrastructure," Darmanin stated, triggering heated discussions about monetary sovereignty and privacy rights. The minister conceded that convincing the French public—who conduct 60% of transactions in cash—will require significant political capital.

This debate emerges as cryptocurrency adoption grows globally, with Bitcoin and Ethereum demonstrating how digital assets can coexist with traditional finance. France’s cash dilemma highlights the tension between crime prevention and financial freedom—a balance crypto ecosystems like Monero (privacy coins) and regulated stablecoins attempt to address.