In the southern French city of Perpignan, far-right mayor Louis Aliot is campaigning for another term with a strong focus on law and order. Representing the National Rally, Aliot has made increased policing, surveillance cameras, and stricter enforcement key parts of his administration, presenting the city as a model for how his party would govern elsewhere.

Since taking office in 2020, the municipality has expanded its police force and intensified efforts against drug trafficking, leading to a sharp rise in reported cases and fines. Perpignan now has one of the highest ratios of municipal police per resident among major French cities. Supporters say these measures have improved safety and cleanliness, while critics argue the tougher policing has not solved deeper social and economic problems.

The city has become a symbolic battleground ahead of France’s municipal and future presidential elections, drawing attention from national political figures such as Jordan Bardella and Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Meanwhile, Aliot’s leadership also faces scrutiny over rising municipal debt and a pending court appeal that could affect his political future.

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