2024-11-09 08:22:00
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau in Marseille, November 8, 2024. CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP
We were expecting a new law on immigration at the beginning of 2025. Parliamentarians will finally work, in January, on a proposed law on drug trafficking, resulting from the work of the Senate. The Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, wants “a general mobilization against organized crime”become “a threat to the fundamental interests of the nation”he wrote, Thursday, November 7, on the social network X, after receiving Bruno Retailleau and Didier Migaud. The interior and justice ministers put their differences aside to present their plan against “scourge” of drug trafficking in France, during a joint trip to Marseille on Friday, establishing this fight as « cause nationale ».
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They are not the first political leaders to promise a merciless fight against drug trafficking, organized crime and the underground economy which “gangrene our territories”according to established rhetoric. Chin thrusts on the subject have even become a classic of French political life. In 2005, the Minister of the Interior Nicolas Sarkozy wanted “clean the cities with Kärcher”. “We need a war on drugs”decreed his distant socialist successor Place Beauvau Manuel Valls. “We have to contain the octopus. This is the Battle of Stalingrad »declared a martial Gérald Darmanin in September 2023. At the same time, drug consumption (5 million consumers in France, according to the Anti-Narcotics Office) continued to increase, as well as the number of deaths linked to trafficking (85 in 2023).
But the threshold of tolerance seems to have been crossed in recent weeks, with a succession of tragic events linked to drug trafficking – bloody shootings have notably taken place in Grenoble, Rennes and Poitiers. “Awareness is recent”notes socialist senator Jérôme Durain, president of the commission of inquiry into the impact of drug trafficking in France. “When we made our report public in May, some of our assertions seemed exaggeratedremembers the elected official from Saône-et-Loire. Today, no one doubts the reality of crime linked to drug trafficking. We have reached a milestone”.
“De-ideologize the subject”
On the ground, “left-wing mayors are evolving on the subject, because the situation is slipping away from them”we underline Place Beauvau. “Drug trafficking generates intolerable violence”denounced the socialist mayor of Rennes, Nathalie Appéré, at the end of October, while a 5-year-old child was seriously injured by automatic weapon fire in the Breton metropolis, the collateral victim of a settling of scores.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Claire Dupont on the Recent Developments in French Drug Policy**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. We’re examining the recent statements and plans announced by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Didier Migaud regarding drug trafficking in France. What are your thoughts on their approach?
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me. It’s clear that the French government is taking a very assertive stance on drug trafficking, labeling it a **“cause nationale.”** This is interesting because it signifies a priority shift. The focus on organized crime and drug trafficking as fundamental threats to national interests mirrors past approaches but suggests an urgency that could reflect public demand for action.
**Editor:** The Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, highlighted the need for a “general mobilization against organized crime.” Do you think this approach will lead to effective policy changes, or is it more about political rhetoric?
**Dr. Dupont:** There is always a risk that such statements can become more about signaling agreement than implementing real change. However, with the legislative process set to begin in January, there’s potential for concrete proposals to emerge. If the past is any indication, the commitment expressed by Barnier might lead to stricter laws and a significant allocation of resources towards enforcement. That said, history teaches us that these promises often fall short if comprehensive measures aren’t taken.
**Editor:** Given the historical context, how do you see this plan being received by the public, particularly in regions heavily affected by drug-related violence?
**Dr. Dupont:** The public response will likely be mixed. Communities devastated by drug-related issues may welcome a decisive governmental action. However, there might also be skepticism from those who see previous initiatives failing to deliver results. It’s essential for these measures to not only focus on repression but also incorporate social and economic strategies to address the root causes of drug trafficking.
**Editor:** You mention the need for a multi-faceted approach. What specific measures do you think the government should prioritize in addition to enforcement?
**Dr. Dupont:** An effective strategy would include investments in community programs aimed at prevention and rehabilitation. Addressing poverty and lack of opportunity in affected areas is crucial. Furthermore, we should consider investing in mental health services and accessible education. A comprehensive approach recognizes that enforcement alone cannot solve the issue; it requires tackling the underlying social issues that drive individuals toward organized crime.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Dupont. It seems this issue requires not only immediate action but also thoughtful long-term strategies to be truly effective.
**Dr. Dupont:** Exactly. It’s a complex battle, and leaders must be prepared to go beyond simplistic promises to effect genuine change. Thank you for the discussion.
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