National Assembly Debates Narcotrafic Amid Rising Violence in Marseille

A symbolic vote addressing narcotrafic is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in the French National Assembly, marking a critical parliamentary focus on drug trafficking issues in France. This debate comes as part of ongoing discussions relating to the state budget, with the government aiming to highlight the necessity of funding key priorities amid the broader political and social challenges. At the center of this debate is the violent context underscored by the recent assassination of Mehdi Kessaci, believed to be linked to drug trafficking intimidation in Marseille.

President Emmanuel Macron recently visited Marseille, over a month after Kessaci’s assassination, in a strong show of government resolve to combat narcotrafic. During his visit, Macron inaugurated a new police station and an expanded prison facility. He declared that “drug traffickers are losing the battle,” emphasizing the importance of dismantling drug networks that operate from abroad while intensifying crackdowns on drug users inside France.

However, Macron’s anti-drug trafficking campaign faces political complications amid municipal election tensions in Marseille, which have sparked conflicts between the city’s mayor and the regional authorities. This heightened political climate adds layers of difficulty to enforcing narcotrafic policies effectively.

In the National Assembly, debates on narcotrafic follow recently approved increases in defense funding, reflecting the government's strategic prioritization of security concerns. Alongside narcotrafic, other critical topics such as energy and agriculture are also on the agenda as lawmakers rush to reach a state budget agreement before the December 31 deadline. A key joint meeting between senators and deputies is planned for Friday to advance these negotiations.

The Senate is expected to conduct a similar debate on narcotrafic later on Wednesday evening, underscoring the seriousness with which French lawmakers are approaching this issue. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has emphasized these discussions as crucial to securing funds for effective crime-fighting measures.

President Macron’s statements and the National Assembly’s actions reflect the French government’s recognition of narcotrafic as a pressing national security problem requiring coordinated political and law enforcement efforts, set against a backdrop of ongoing violence in Marseille and the complexities of local political rivalries.