Lyon, February 8 – Following recent alarming incidents of school violence, Véronique Sarselli, the Grand Cœur Lyonnais candidate, has unveiled a comprehensive “shock plan” aimed at strengthening the fight against violence in the 121 colleges across the Lyon Metropolis. The proposal, announced today, emphasizes both enhanced security measures and robust mental health support for students.
Recent Incidents Spark Urgent Call for Action
The aggression of a teacher in Var and a widely circulated video depicting a young girl being assaulted by two classmates in Saint-Genis-Laval have brought school violence to the forefront of public debate. The repercussions of these traumatic events have resonated deeply within the Lyon metropolitan area, prompting Véronique Sarselli to address the issue with urgency. “I refuse to let our children and our teachers live in fear,” stated Sarselli, emphasizing the critical need to make the fight against school violence a top priority.
Focus on Psychological Well-being and Prevention
Sarselli, who also serves as the mayor of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, highlighted the necessity of prioritizing psychological well-being. Her plan calls for reinforced support and increased prevention efforts among students in all 121 colleges within the metropolis. She outlined a two-pronged approach:
- Technical devices for enhanced security in establishments.
- A major plan for violence prevention and mental health support for students.
“Security responses are necessary, but they are not sufficient. They must be complemented by reinforced prevention policies and mental health care for students,” Sarselli explained.
A Plan to Address Psychological Distress
To implement this, Sarselli has outlined five key initiatives, beginning with the establishment of a 4 million euro metropolitan fund dedicated to the mental health of young people. This project would also include the launch of listening and psychological support units, as well as the implementation of a training program for the early detection of psychological disorders.
Furthermore, Véronique Sarselli plans to fund 50 positions for school nurses and psychologists by 2030, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education. “School must once again become a sanctuary. This requires more security, but above all, more humanity and prevention. We can no longer simply react after tragedies; we must anticipate and provide support,” she insisted.
Material Security: Another Key Objective
In parallel with mental health initiatives, Sarselli, a key opponent of Bruno Bernard, announced her intention to strengthen security at college entrances. “The Lyon Metropolis, which is responsible for colleges, has a major responsibility to protect and support those who make school a daily reality,” she asserted. Colleges that volunteer would receive full funding for security devices, such as secure entrance airlocks, intercoms to filter visitors, and the implementation of video surveillance.
This implementation, spread over six years, is estimated to cost 3 million euros annually, a necessary investment according to Sarselli. These expenditures would be made in consultation with the Lyon academy and school principals. According to Grand Cœur Lyonnais’ forecasts, the average cost per college would be between 100,000 and 200,000 euros.
“This is a realistic measure, financially controlled and directly within our competencies. It constitutes a local, effective, and respectful response to educational realities, so that every college student in the Metropolis can study in complete serenity,” the candidate affirmed. Recent events have demonstrated the real need for such measures, and Véronique Sarselli is aware that prevention is better than cure.
Broader Political Context
This announcement comes amidst Sarselli’s ongoing political activities. She has previously outlined her vision for ending “street activism” and restoring a “culture of dialogue” in the Lyon Metropolis. Officially endorsed by Les Républicains, Sarselli has been laying the groundwork for her metropolitan campaign. She has also been critical of the Métropole’s budget, along with Jean-Michel Aulas, questioning certain elements as not being “sincere.” Sarselli has stated that the metropolis “does not need a star, it needs a method,” positioning herself as a pragmatic leader focused on effective governance.
