That did happen in France as well. The guy was my first boss, and someone I admired and respected a lot because he was not of a kind to kill for a better position.
Not being a killer, he not only lost his position to someone more ambitious who had cajoled the Division Head until he got the job, but also had to leave the company to spare himself the humiliation of sitting in an office without computer or even phone. The man had spent 20 years "serving" the company.
I was in his office discussing a transaction when he got informed of someone else being nominated at his position through... an internal note in his post. Will never forget the look in his eyes.

When through hell, just keep going. W. Churchill