With 366,999 articles and 48.8 million words, the number of French regulations reaches a record high
The number of French regulations has reached a record high, with 366,999 legal articles currently in force. This represents a 1.55% increase from 2025 and a 19% rise over the past decade. The total word count of French law has also surged to 48.8 million words, reflecting significant regulatory growth over the past 20 years.
- ▪France now has 366,999 legal articles in force, an increase of 1.55% from 2025.
- ▪The volume of French law has grown by 19% over the past decade and 51% over the past 20 years.
- ▪The total word count of French law has reached 48.8 million words, up 2.3% in a single year.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
'The Librarian', by Giuseppe Arcimboldo (circa 1566). SAMUEL UHRDIN / CHÂTEAU DE SKOKLOSTERS (SUÈDE) "Ignorance of the law is no excuse," as the saying goes. But one must first be able to master its immensity. Despite repeated pledges by successive French governments to curb the proliferation of regulations, the volume of laws continues to grow. New figures published on Friday, May 15, by the government's central administrative office show the legal corpus has reached a record size. The scale is staggering. Counting both legislative and regulatory texts, France now has 366,999 legal articles in force, an increase of 1.55% from 2025. Over the past decade, that figure has risen by 19%, and by 51% over the past 20 years.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Le Monde (EN)
