Paris, February 16 – Rachida Dati, the Les Républicains (LR) candidate for Mayor of Paris, launched a sharp attack on her left-wing opponent, Emmanuel Grégoire, on Monday morning, accusing him of being responsible for an “explosion of delinquency” in the French capital. Speaking on Laurence Ferrari’s “La Grande interview” on Europe 1/CNews, Dati, who is vying for the mayoral seat, directly challenged Grégoire’s record as the former first deputy to the outgoing socialist mayor, Anne Hidalgo.
Dati Presents Crime Statistics to Support Claims
Dati asserted that the current socialist majority, under which Grégoire served, has overseen a dramatic rise in crime. She backed her claims with specific figures, stating, “Between 2019 and 2025, drug trafficking increased by 218%, sexual assaults by more than 60%, and attacks on individuals by more than 25%.” She further criticized Grégoire’s perceived inaction, adding, “And Monsieur Grégoire says ‘we can’t do anything’.”
A Call for a Stronger Municipal Police Force
In response to the escalating crime rates, Rachida Dati advocated for the establishment of a “trained, equipped, armed municipal police force that is attached to the district town halls to be more agile in the fight against delinquency.” She emphasized the mayor’s crucial role in ensuring public safety, stating, “I believe, contrary to Monsieur Grégoire, that security in Paris is the prerogative of the mayor because it is in the code of territorial authorities. So it is time for Monsieur Grégoire to learn the missions of the mayor.”
Dati’s comments underscore a central theme in her mayoral campaign: a focus on law and order and a direct challenge to the incumbent administration’s handling of public safety. The debate over security is expected to be a significant factor in the upcoming municipal elections in Paris.
Grégoire’s Past Role and the Socialist Administration’s Record
Emmanuel Grégoire served as the first deputy to Anne Hidalgo, the outgoing socialist mayor, for an extended period. During this time, the city’s policies regarding public safety and urban management were under the purview of the socialist majority. Dati’s critique is thus a direct indictment of the broader administration’s performance on these issues.
The Impact of Crime on Parisian Life
The alleged increase in crime, particularly in areas such as drug trafficking, sexual assaults, and general attacks on individuals, raises concerns about the quality of life for Parisian residents and the city’s image as a safe global capital. Dati’s statistics, if accurate, point to a significant challenge that the next mayoral administration will need to address.
Upcoming Mayoral Elections and Public Sentiment
The upcoming mayoral elections in Paris are shaping up to be a contentious battle, with public safety emerging as a key issue. Dati’s strong stance on crime and her direct challenge to Grégoire’s record are likely to resonate with voters who may feel that the current administration has not adequately addressed their concerns about security. The effectiveness of the municipal police and the overall strategy for combating delinquency will undoubtedly remain central to the campaign discourse.
The accusations made by Rachida Dati highlight the political tensions surrounding urban governance and the critical role of local leadership in maintaining public order and safety. As the mayoral campaign progresses, further debates and discussions on these crucial issues are anticipated.
Source: https://www.europe1.fr/politique/mairie-de-paris-le-bilan-de-monsieur-gregoire-cest-lexplosion-de-la-delinquance-denonce-rachida-dati-896911?amp
