Interior Minister Expresses Reservations About Electoral Reform, Prioritizes Anti-Drug Trafficking Law
Paris, Lyon, and Marseille Electoral Reform
On Saturday, February 15th, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau voiced his hesitation regarding the proposed electoral reform for Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, championed by François Bayrou. Retailleau emphasized the need to prioritize the anti-drug trafficking law in the parliamentary agenda.
"I would not understand prioritizing the parliamentary agenda to the point of postponing the examination of the text on the fight against drug trafficking. This is the priority," Retailleau asserted to Le Parisien.
He further explained his concern about the reform infringing upon the principles of proximity between arrondissement mayors. Retailleau clarified that this was his personal stance and not the official position of the government.
François Bayrou has previously expressed his support for a swift reform of the electoral system in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, a year before the municipal elections. Under the 1982 "PLM" law, elections in the three largest cities in France are held by arrondissement or sector, not on a citywide scale.
The proposed reform aims to elect members of the councils of the three metropolises through direct universal suffrage, as is the practice in other cities. This proposal has sparked division among elected officials and elicited resistance, particularly from the Les Républicains (LR) mayors of Parisian arrondissements, whom Retailleau met on Saturday.
Government’s Decision
Despite Retailleau’s reservations, the government could still opt to act swiftly, possibly as early as March, before the inclusion of the cross-party bill to combat drug trafficking in France on the Assembly’s agenda. This bill was unanimously adopted by the Senate on February 4th.
Spokesperson Sophie Primas announced that a debate would take place "at the latest in March" at the Palais-Bourbon.
Implications and Analysis
The proposed electoral reform has been a topic of debate, with both supporters and opponents expressing their views.
Supporters of the reform argue that it would create more democratic and representative councils in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. They believe that electing council members on a citywide basis would better reflect the will of the electorate and reduce the influence of local interests.
Opponents of the reform, such as the mayors of Parisian arrondissements, contend that it would undermine the principle of local democracy and weaken the autonomy of arrondissements. They argue that it would lead to a concentration of power in the hands of the central city government and a loss of local representation.
The government’s decision on whether to proceed with the reform and the timing of its implementation will be closely watched. It remains to be seen how the competing perspectives on this issue will be reconciled and what the ultimate outcome will be.
