Marseille is preparing for mayoral elections, grappling with issues of security, drug trade, and economic stagnation that undermine residents' trust. Unemployed youth are turning to drug trafficking, while activists believe that increased repression alone is ineffective. Security has become the top issue for voters, compelling candidates from various political factions to propose their solutions. French President Emmanuel Macron and his ministers visited Marseille after the murder of activist Mehdi Kessasi, unveiling a tough crime plan, yet locals feel that Paris is imposing solutions without adequately consulting local experts. Mayoral candidates agree on the need to invest in local policing and public services rather than relying solely on harsher penalties. Marseille's problems, such as its notorious drug trade, deep-rooted poverty, and failure to leverage its competitive advantages as a young, sunny Mediterranean city, reflect the broader political and social challenges facing all of France.
