Local elections in Marseille: Left and far right in battle for city hall • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• National Rally (RN): A far-right political party in France, gaining traction in Marseille.
• Municipal Elections: Local elections determining the leadership of the city of Marseille.
• Security Concerns: The dominant issue in the Marseille election campaign, fueled by gang violence and drug trafficking.
• Political Polarization: The increasing divide between left-leaning and far-right ideologies in Marseille.
• Law and Order vs. Prevention: Differing approaches to combating crime, with the RN advocating for increased policing and surveillance, and other candidates prioritizing preventative measures.

The Political Landscape in Marseille

For the past six years, Marseille has been governed by a left-leaning mayor, Benoît Payan. However, the upcoming local elections in March present a potential shift in power, with the far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by candidate Franck Allisio, experiencing a surge in popularity. The election is being closely monitored nationally as a potential indicator of broader political trends in France. The campaign is characterized by a tight race between Payan and Allisio, with the RN receiving support from prominent figures like Marine Le Pen. The stakes are high, with the outcome potentially signaling a significant change for both Marseille and the country. As stated, “If Marseille makes the right choice… it will be a signal to the rest of France.”

Security as the Central Campaign Issue

The primary focus of the election campaign is security. Residents express concerns about a perceived decline in safety, citing issues like gang-related violence and drug trafficking. This sentiment is being actively exploited by Franck Allisio and the RN, who position themselves as the only force capable of restoring order. Allisio highlights a decrease in the number of national police officers over the past decade, stating, “We have fewer national police officers today than there were almost 10 years ago.” He proposes a substantial increase in security measures if elected, including doubling the number of security cameras, tripling the city’s police force, and bolstering support from the National Police.

Incumbent Mayor’s Defense and Counter-Proposals

Benoît Payan defends his record, arguing that addressing crime is not solely the responsibility of local authorities. He emphasizes the transnational nature of drug trafficking, questioning the feasibility of municipal police forces tackling international criminal networks: “So, what should I do? Send the municipal police to the other side of the world to investigate?” Payan points to his efforts to strengthen the municipal police force, having already doubled its size from 350 to 700 officers, with plans for further expansion to 1400 if re-elected, and establishing a dedicated police station for the 15th arrondissement (Tison).

Alternative Perspectives and Proposals

Beyond the duel between Payan and Allisio, other candidates offer alternative approaches. Martin Vassal, a centrist-right candidate, proposes a local anti-crime brigade and a surveillance experiment utilizing artificial intelligence, drones, and increased police presence in a designated test zone within the city center. Conversely, Sébastien Delieu of the Le France party advocates for a reduction in surveillance cameras and a greater emphasis on preventative measures, targeting support from lower-income communities.

Crime Statistics and Public Perception

While police statistics indicate an overall decrease in crime in Marseille, public perception remains heavily influenced by high-profile incidents. The stabbing of an educator, which “made headlines across France,” serves as a stark example of the fear and anxiety prevalent among residents. Witnesses recount the incident, stating, “He nearly died,” highlighting the severity of the situation and its impact on the community.

Concerns Regarding the National Rally’s Ideology

Supporters of Payan express concerns about the RN’s origins and ideology, warning against the dangers of succumbing to far-right rhetoric. They emphasize the importance of resisting the allure of the far-right, acknowledging the RN’s increasing mainstream acceptance but cautioning against forgetting its historical roots and associated ideas.

Election Date and National Significance

The municipal elections in Marseille are scheduled for March 15th. The outcome is considered crucial, with a victory for the RN potentially representing a significant nationwide shift in political power and signaling a broader acceptance of far-right ideologies within France.