Europe 1 9:47 p.m., November 21, 2021
The five candidates for the nomination of the Republicans addressed the question of the use of the army in difficult districts, in the third debate broadcast on Europe 1 and CNews.
If Éric Ciotti, Michel Barnier and Valérie Pécresse are favorable, Xavier Bertrand and Philippe Juvin prefer to use only the police forces.
How to restore calm in difficult neighborhoods?
Asked about the possible recourse to the army, the five candidates for the LR nomination - Michel Barnier, Xavier Bertrand, Éric Ciotti, Philippe Juvin and Valérie Pécresse - put forward various proposals to achieve the republican reconquest, in the third debate of the Republicans on Europe 1 and CNews.
The debate can be followed live on Europe 1.
62% of French people are in favor of resorting to the army
Eric Ciotti first advocates a "whatever it costs security", which evokes the possibility of having recourse to the army. According to a survey for Europe 1 and CNews, 62% of French people are in favor of this remedy in difficult neighborhoods. Michel Barnier highlights, like the deputy for Alpes-Maritimes, the presence of military forces in Operation Sentinel to justify the measure.
If Valérie Pécresse wishes to carry out "punching operations" in these neighborhoods, recourse to the army must be "in support" of the police forces.
On the other hand, for Xavier Bertrand, it is up to the police and gendarmes to restore order.
"We need clear instructions. Justice must follow," added the president of the Hauts-de-France region.
Philippe Juvin is also unfavorable to the call of the army.