The Lyon Police Union is organizing a significant citizen march to advocate for increased resources and a stronger response to rising insecurity. This unprecedented initiative aims to unite the population, local associations, elected officials, and candidates to collectively address the growing concerns over public safety. The event is set for Saturday, January 31st, in 24 cities across France, including Lyon, Grenoble, and Clermont-Ferrand.
Reasons Behind the Citizen March
Alain Barberis, the regional secretary of the police union, emphasized the urgency of the situation. In 2025 alone, Lyon witnessed ten homicides linked to narcotrafficking, a stark contrast to the twenty reported in Marseille. Barberis pointed out that Lyon is now facing a shift from narcotrafficking to narcoterrorism, highlighting the critical lack of police presence and investigative resources.
Recent Events Highlighting the Crisis
- The arrest of a Colombian commando on January 18-19, suspected of being involved in a deadly dispute in Écully.
- A young man in Villeurbanne was severely injured on January 10 during a knife attack at a drug dealing location.
These incidents showcase the internationalization of narcoterrorism actors and the alarming presence of weapons in local drug conflict zones.
The Call for Action
Barberis stressed the need for concrete political action. He revealed that violent incidents are escalating in the Lyon metropolitan area, with reports of weekly gunfire and civilians caught in crossfire. “We are in a state of war against narcotrafficking,” he stated.
Impact on Local Residents
The union also highlighted the issue of extreme violence in daily life. A significant portion of violent thefts in Lyon are committed by foreigners, many of whom are undocumented. The current situation is exacerbated by overcrowded administrative detention centers housing notorious offenders.
Details of the March
The march will commence at 11 AM on January 31st from Place du Maréchal-Lyautey in Lyon’s 6th arrondissement. It aims to send a strong message advocating for more effective measures against rising insecurity and resource shortages among law enforcement agencies.
The call to action aims to rally community support for enhanced police funding and resources to ensure public safety and restore order in Lyon and beyond.
