Bordeaux Mayor Reverses Stance, Arms Municipal Police Amid Rising Crime

Pierre Hurmic, previously opposed to arming police, cites increased violence and crime as reasons for the policy shift.

Mayor Pierre Hurmic announced the creation of an armed municipal police brigade, equipping about a quarter of Bordeaux's 200 municipal officers with firearms by mid-2025.
This decision marks a significant shift for Hurmic, who has historically opposed arming police, aligning with traditional ecological stances against such measures.
The move comes in response to what Hurmic describes as a deteriorating security situation in Bordeaux, with rising crime and visible insecurity affecting vulnerable populations.
Opposition voices, including former mayor Nicolas Florian, criticize the decision as a 'half-measure' and accuse Hurmic of delaying necessary action.
The announcement has sparked debate within Bordeaux's municipal team, with some members feeling the decision contradicts the platform on which they were elected.