PCF Vaucluse Targets Drug Trafficking in Avignon Through Education
- During a press conference this Friday, March 14, 2025, the Communist Party of Vaucluse voiced its support for the police deployment in the sensitive districts of Avignon.
- For several weeks, a reinforced police presence has been active in the Barbière and Rocade districts of Avignon.
- Remy Blanc, Departmental Advisor to Vaucluse and member of the PCF, stated:
Table of Contents
- Avignon: Vaucluse Communist Party Supports Police Deployment, Urges Social Support
- Avignon Security and Social Support: key Questions Answered
- Q&A: Security Measures and Social Support in Avignon
- Why does the Vaucluse Communist Party support the police deployment in Avignon?
- What social measures does the PCF advocate for in Avignon alongside police deployment?
- What are REP+ areas, and why are they mentioned in the context of Avignon’s education?
- What are “micro-colleges,” and what purpose do they serve?
- What is the “Call of Marseille,” and how does it relate to drug trafficking in Avignon?
- Why does Rémy Blanc state, “We must bring back the Republic, in all its dimensions, in the districts”?
- Where can I find more information on social support programs in Avignon?
- Key Figures and Their Perspectives
- Q&A: Security Measures and Social Support in Avignon
During a press conference this Friday, March 14, 2025, the Communist Party of Vaucluse voiced its support for the police deployment in the sensitive districts of Avignon. Simultaneously, they emphasized the critical need for parallel social measures, including enhanced education and robust support for popular neighborhoods. The focus remains on addressing drug trafficking and bolstering community reassurance through comprehensive strategies.
For several weeks, a reinforced police presence has been active in the Barbière and Rocade districts of Avignon. This deployment aims to combat drug trafficking and provide reassurance to residents. Communist elected officials have expressed their approval of these actions, while also highlighting the urgent need for social support to complement these efforts.
Remy Blanc, Departmental Advisor to Vaucluse and member of the PCF, stated:
The inhabitants of these districts are the first victims of this insecurity, but we need housing, education, public services, also so that young people do not go to drug trafficking.
Remy Blanc, Departmental Advisor to Vaucluse
Education as a Long-Term Solution
Julien de Benito, assistant to the town hall of Avignon and chief of the local PCF, emphasized the importance of education in addressing the root causes of insecurity. He noted:
Security cannot be the only answer, you also need long -term solutions, especially for education.
Julien de Benito, assistant to the town hall of Avignon
De Benito specifically criticized the insufficient resources allocated to colleges in REP+ areas, noting that they are substantially less endowed in Avignon compared to the northern districts of Marseille. He also pointed out the absence of crucial educational initiatives, such as “micro-colleges,” designed to re-engage students who have dropped out of the educational system.
Insufficient resources for Working-Class Neighborhoods
Rémy Blanc highlighted a critical issue: the expansion of districts under city policy in recent years has not been matched by corresponding increases in funding. this disparity undermines efforts to improve conditions in these areas.
According to Rémy Blanc:
We have increasingly precarious neighborhoods, and educational devices that are not up to the task of fighting for dropping out of school.
Rémy Blanc, Departmental PCF advisor
Upcoming legislative Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
Elected officials announced that Senator Jérémy Bacchi, the originator of the “Call of Marseille,” will arrive at the end of March. This initiative has led to a bill against drug trafficking.The bill has already been discussed in the Senate and is scheduled for debate in the National Assembly.
Rémy Blanc concluded with a call to action:
we must bring back the Republic, in all its dimensions, in the districts.
Rémy Blanc, departmental Advisor to Vaucluse
This article addresses pressing questions about security measures and social support initiatives in Avignon, notably focusing on the perspectives of the Vaucluse Communist Party (PCF).
Why does the Vaucluse Communist Party support the police deployment in Avignon?
The Vaucluse Communist Party (PCF) supports the police deployment in sensitive districts of Avignon as they recognize that residents in these areas are frequently enough the primary victims of insecurity, particularly related to drug trafficking.The deployment aims to combat these criminal activities and provide reassurance to the community.
The PCF emphasizes the critical need for parallel social measures to complement the police presence. These measures include:
Enhanced Education: Improving educational resources and initiatives to address the root causes of insecurity and prevent young people from turning to drug trafficking.
robust Support for Popular Neighborhoods: Increasing funding and resources for working-class neighborhoods to improve living conditions and opportunities for residents.
Improved Housing: Addressing housing issues to provide stable and adequate living conditions.
Public Services: Ensuring access to essential public services for all residents.
What are REP+ areas, and why are they mentioned in the context of Avignon’s education?
REP+ areas (Réseau d’Éducation Prioritaire Plus) are priority education network zones in France that receive additional resources due to the socio-economic challenges faced by students in these areas. Julien de Benito, from the local PCF, criticizes the insufficient resources allocated to colleges in REP+ areas in Avignon compared to other regions like Marseille. This disparity hinders the ability of these schools to effectively support students and address educational disparities.
What are “micro-colleges,” and what purpose do they serve?
“Micro-colleges” are educational initiatives designed to re-engage students who have dropped out of the customary educational system. These programs offer a tailored and supportive learning environment to help students re-enter education and acquire necessary skills. Julien de Benito points out the absence of such initiatives in Avignon as a critical gap in the educational support system.
What is the “Call of Marseille,” and how does it relate to drug trafficking in Avignon?
The “Call of Marseille” is an initiative spearheaded by Senator Jérémy Bacchi aimed at addressing drug trafficking. This initiative has led to a bill against drug trafficking. Senator Bacchi’s arrival in Avignon at the end of March signals the importance of this legislative effort in combating drug-related issues in the region.
Why does Rémy Blanc state, “We must bring back the Republic, in all its dimensions, in the districts”?
Rémy Blanc’s statement is a call to action emphasizing the need to restore the principles and values of the French Republic – such as equality, liberty, and fraternity – in the marginalized districts of Avignon. This includes ensuring access to justice, public services, education, and economic opportunities for all residents, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion.
For more information on social support programs in Avignon, you can visit the local town hall website.
Key Figures and Their Perspectives
| Figure | Title | Statement Highlights |
| :————— | :—————————————- | :—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Rémy Blanc | Departmental Advisor to Vaucluse (PCF) | “Inhabitants of these districts are the first victims of this insecurity… we need housing,education,public services.” “We have increasingly precarious neighborhoods.” |
| Julien de Benito | Assistant to the town hall of Avignon (PCF) | “Security cannot be the only answer, you also need long-term solutions, especially for education.” Criticized insufficient resources for REP+ colleges. |
| Jérémy Bacchi | Senator | Originator of the “Call of Marseille,” leading to a bill against drug trafficking. |