Insecurity, schools, northern areas: Marseille is a serious political problem for Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Macron has never hidden his love for Marseille, the city of his heart. A fan of OM, he even made it a laboratory for his political actions as part of the famous “Marseille in the City” plan, launched with great fanfare two years ago during a three-day trip there. At that time, the President of the Republic actually detailed an emergency plan to finance transport projects, rebuild schools, strengthen public services and, above all, open up working-class neighborhoods in the north of the city, among the most disadvantaged and affected. through violence.

In total, the state mobilized at least 5 billion euros, marking a decade of change for France’s second city. Before returning there on June 26 for three more days to get an update on ongoing projects. Titanic, but enough?

“We are investing money, but it is clear that we have also lost power in some areas that have become ‘no-go zones’ for drug trafficking,” don’t beat around the bush within the majority. “The truth is that we inherited a difficult situation in a city that had been neglected for decades,” adds another.

“So involved that he has no right to fail”

People around the Head of State are still very worried. “He is so involved in this issue that he has no right to fail. Marseille is a showcase for him. At the end of his second term, he will be able to say that this city has changed, and for the better. The political stakes are significant,” one of his supporters deciphers. On September 23, on the occasion of the arrival of Pope Francis, Emmanuel Macron will take part in a high mass said at the Vélodrome. But in recent days, some have been considering the possibility of him staying there longer, perhaps two days, with “the sequence of actions still to be determined,” they say.

Meanwhile, police reinforcements will continue in Marseille. Over the past two years, 330 police officers have already been hired, with another 70 hired in November. “This is the city for which we have provided the most reinforcements since 2021,” insists Bovo, simply asking the question: “If we had not used all these resources, would the situation today be even worse?” »