On May 7, 2025, David Lisnard, the mayor of Cannes and president of the Association of French Mayors (AMF), appeared on the French news program Face à Face, where he addressed pressing issues concerning drug trafficking, violence against mayors, and the state of public housing in France. Lisnard's comments come amid a growing concern over the safety of local leaders and the impact of narcotrafic on communities across the country.
During the interview, Lisnard did not shy away from discussing the alarming rise in violence linked to drug trafficking, which he described as a significant threat to both urban and rural areas. He emphasized that mayors should be empowered to expel drug dealers and their families from public housing (HLM), stating, "I do not understand why society financially supports individuals who repeatedly harm it. We need to stop the masochism. This is not extremism; it is common sense." His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among local leaders who feel that drug-related crimes have reached a crisis point.
Lisnard's strong stance on the issue was further highlighted by his comments regarding the involvement of young people in drug trafficking. He pointed out that "12-13 year old kids" are increasingly engaged in these activities, often with the complicity of their families. He called for a comprehensive approach to tackle this issue, suggesting that there should be disciplinary centers to protect society from repeat juvenile offenders. "For the most dangerous ones, they need to be isolated, and for others, we must provide a disciplinary framework," he asserted.
The mayor's comments were met with a mix of support and skepticism. During the interview, journalist Apolline de Malherbe challenged Lisnard's assertions, questioning the effectiveness of labeling certain actions as common sense. She pointed to the complexities of the social issues at play, noting that many in the political sphere have previously characterized these problems as systemic. Lisnard, however, remained firm, reiterating that social housing should be allocated to those who contribute positively to their communities rather than to those who disrupt them.
Lisnard's remarks come in the wake of a neighborhood meeting held in La Bocca, Cannes, just days prior, where residents voiced their fears about the increasing violence in their community. Many expressed frustration over the ongoing drug issues, with one resident declaring, "Today, La Frayère is like the Wild West." The mayor acknowledged these sentiments, stating that the municipality has made significant investments in local infrastructure, including the creation of shared gardens and sports facilities, but admitted that these efforts are overshadowed by the drug trade.
At the meeting, Lisnard also highlighted the significant drug seizures that had taken place the previous fall, noting that despite law enforcement efforts, drug networks quickly reestablish themselves, often with greater violence. "The cancer of drugs is such that even when you dismantle networks, they quickly reform," he explained. He assured residents that the municipal police are present daily in La Frayère, but he also acknowledged the limitations of their authority in addressing these issues.
Moreover, Lisnard discussed the need for increased police presence and support from national authorities. He noted that since September 2024, the Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS) have spent 87 days in the district, resulting in approximately 100 arrests. He emphasized the importance of urban planning investments and effective collaboration between local law enforcement and community organizations to address the underlying issues of drug trafficking.
In addition to discussing drug trafficking, Lisnard also addressed the topic of local taxes. He expressed his opposition to a recently proposed "modest contribution" to finance municipal public services, arguing that it should only be considered if there is a corresponding decrease in national taxes. He criticized the high levels of obligatory taxes in France, stating, "The mandatory contributions in France are among the highest in the world." He also referred to the abolition of the housing tax as a significant misstep for the government, claiming it was a decision that ultimately backfired.
Lisnard's interview and the discussions surrounding it underscore the ongoing challenges faced by local leaders in France as they navigate issues of public safety, drug-related violence, and the complexities of social welfare policies. As mayors like Lisnard advocate for more authority to address these issues, the debate continues over the best approaches to foster safer communities and support responsible citizenship.
In conclusion, the concerns raised by David Lisnard reflect a growing urgency among local officials to tackle the intertwined issues of drug trafficking and community safety. With the potential for significant policy changes on the horizon, the dialogue surrounding these topics will likely continue to evolve as communities seek effective solutions to restore security and well-being.
