Counter 12 closed: please present yourself at counter 12

The new era of simplification promised a smooth path for all users.
Result of the day: a circular labyrinth where every exit is marked by an “Entrance” arrow.

At dawn, silhouettes line up in front of the Central Office of Multiple Formalities. On the screen, a reassuring message reads: “Your number will be called soon.” Below it, another clarifies: “Your number is not a number.” The single line splits into six parallel lines, two of which reconverge at the same counter closed for a “coordination break.” Door A opens onto a corridor leading to Door A, where a sign announces: “Closed due to imminent opening.”

According to the new procedure, Form A can only be submitted with Certificate B, issued only upon presentation of Proof C, obtained after filing Form A. All of this must be accompanied by a “color photocopy in black and white” and proof of address “dated less than 3 days old but more than 6 months.” The processing fee is paid “in cash only,” by card, on a terminal that accepts cards “for cash payments only.” In case of emergency, it is recommended to make an appointment the day before for yesterday.

“I got a slot by phone, was asked to confirm in person, where I was advised to call to confirm. After four hours, I was handed the F-0, which is the official request for the request for the F-1,” confides Amélie V., a persistent user, brandishing a priority ticket “to be used before it is printed.”

The online portal, billed as “available 24/7,” shows a window: “Perpetual maintenance, please try again the day before.” The chatbot, eager to help, replies: “I cannot process your request while I am processing your request.” At exactly 11 a.m., an announcement rings in “Simplification Day”: the counters close for an inventory of the counters. Management, serene, reminds in a memo: “The system is very simple: you just have to have done everything before you start.”