PERPIGNAN, France, March 7 – As voters prepare to head to the polls this month, incumbent Mayor Louis Aliot of the National Rally (RN) is campaigning on a platform of increased policing, surveillance, and public order in Perpignan, a Mediterranean city near the Spanish border.
A Showcase for National Ambitions
Aliot, who has been mayor since 2020, is presenting Perpignan – the largest city controlled by the RN – as a model for governance. He stated, “When the National Rally is in office, well, we govern, we run cities and we run them well.” The party hopes to replicate this approach in other cities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, and a win in multiple municipalities could bolster Marine Le Pen’s party’s chances in the upcoming presidential vote.
Despite leading in polls, Aliot faces a potential obstacle: an embezzlement conviction. If his appeal fails, he could be barred from office, though he has stated he will appeal to France’s highest court and that others on his team could take his place if needed.
Security as a Central Theme
The RN’s focus on law and order is resonating with some voters in Perpignan, a city where poverty is concentrated in neighborhoods near the historic center. Aliot has promised to add 50 more police officers and 200 surveillance cameras, particularly in outer suburbs. The city has already increased its municipal police force from 161 in 2020 to 199 officers, now deploying 1.6 officers per 1,000 residents – proportionally the highest among French cities of more than 100,000.
This increased policing has led to a rise in reported drug-trafficking cases, with Perpignan now ranking seventh among over 50 large French cities, up from 18th in 2020. Police have more than doubled the number of trafficking cases opened, and fines for minor possession have quadrupled.
Financial Considerations and Opposition
The emphasis on security is impacting Perpignan’s finances. Municipal debt stands at 1,600 euros per inhabitant, exceeding the 1,200 euro average for comparable cities. Property and business taxes are also higher than in many peer cities. However, business weekly Challenges recently ranked Perpignan as the third best-run city in France.
Aliot currently leads with 44% in polls, benefiting from a divided opposition. Rivals have criticized his focus on security, arguing it has failed to deliver and that city finances have deteriorated. They accuse him of prioritizing publicity over tangible results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Louis Aliot’s current position?
Louis Aliot is the current mayor of Perpignan and the vice president of the National Rally.
What is the status of the upcoming elections in Perpignan?
The municipal elections in Perpignan will be held on March 15 and 23.
What is the National Rally’s strategy regarding security?
The National Rally is making security the centrepiece of its administration in Perpignan, promising more police, more cameras, and more order.
As Perpignan prepares to vote, it remains to be seen whether voters will prioritize the RN’s focus on security, or whether concerns about the city’s finances and the legal challenges facing Aliot will sway the outcome.
