Lyon, February 1 – Yesterday, January 31, 2026, the center of Lyon witnessed a significant mobilization in support of law enforcement. Approximately 1,500 individuals responded to the call from the Alliance Police Nationale union to denounce a lack of resources and increasing insecurity.
Mobilization to Denounce Lack of Resources
Organized simultaneously in about twenty cities across France, this Lyon demonstration aimed to draw attention to the working conditions of security forces. Demonstrators marched behind a banner proclaiming: “Citizens with the police against insecurity and impunity.” According to union representatives, the national police suffer from insufficient staffing, inadequate equipment, and an overly restrictive legal framework in the face of what is described as increasingly violent crime.
Alain Barberis, departmental secretary of Alliance Police Nationale, presented a grim assessment of the local situation. He specifically mentioned a significant deficit of police officers and judicial police officers. According to him, the “capital of the Gauls” is facing an unprecedented degradation of its security climate, with violence levels comparable to those of the largest metropolises.
Numerous Elected Officials Present Ahead of Municipal Elections
In the midst of the electoral period for the 2026 municipal and metropolitan elections, the procession welcomed numerous right-wing and far-right political figures. Jean-Michel Aulas, “Cœur lyonnais” candidate for mayor of Lyon, was present alongside Véronique Sarselli, a candidate for the Metropolis. The president of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, Fabrice Pannekoucke, also participated in the rally.
The presence of elected officials was widely shared on social networks. Émilie Desrieux, a candidate in the 7th arrondissement, posted: “Citizen mobilization today. Support for law enforcement. For a respected and protected police. 💙#Police #ForcesDeLOrdre #RespectEtProtection #lyon @JM_Aulas @coeurlyonnais @V_Sarselli”
A Procession Marked by the Absence of the Left
Conversely, no representatives of the ecological majority in Lyon or left-wing parties were seen among the ranks. The newspaper Le Progrès highlighted this divide: “Police demonstration in #Lyon: many politicians present in support, the left absent @JM_Aulas @V_Sarselli @Tiffany_Joncour”
The demonstration concluded in front of the Rhône prefecture after a route that began in the 6th arrondissement. Gérald Canon, a candidate in Villeurbanne, concluded on social networks: “Supporting those who protect us means defending authority, respect, and daily security. Our support is total! #Police #Canon2026 #Municipales2026”
Source: Alliance Police Nationale, Le Progrès, Figures Publiques
