Marseille Mayor Accuses Authorities of Inaction During October 17 Riots

Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan has leveled serious accusations against state authorities following the October 17 riots and looting that devastated the city center, alleging possible deliberate inaction by police and demanding a full investigation. Payan claims he possesses video evidence showing officers failed to intervene during hours of violence, questioning what orders were given and citing police understaffing while rioters operated with impunity. He has promised to share the footage with a parliamentary inquiry and awaits Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez's visit. Authorities report deploying 434 national police, 240 CRS, and additional gendarme units, firing 4,000 tear gas grenades, while estimating 30,000 looters and 8,000 rioters—figures Payan disputes, citing his own estimate of 1,500 from police sources.