Macron Announces Stricter Penalties in Marseille
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, a substantial increase in fines for drug users, raising the penalty from €200 to €500. The announcement was made during a visit to Marseille, a city grappling with a surge in drug-related violence. This measure is a key component of the government's intensified campaign against drug trafficking, which President Macron has likened to the fight against terrorism.
Targeting Drug Consumption to Combat Trafficking
The decision to triple the fine underscores a strategic shift to target drug consumption as a means of disrupting the broader drug trade. During an exchange with readers of the regional newspaper La Provence, Macron stated, 'We need to hit them in the wallet because taking drugs is not recreational.' He further emphasized the link between consumption and organized crime, asserting, 'Anyone who uses drugs feeds the drug trade that is ruining our cities and neighborhoods.'
Marseille has been a focal point of this crackdown due to its severe issues with drug-related killings, with reports indicating 15 homicides linked to trafficking in 2025 alone. The President highlighted that drug consumers, often from diverse social backgrounds, inadvertently fuel the criminal networks responsible for such violence.
Broader Strategy and Enforcement
The previous fixed fine, known as the amende forfaitaire délictuelle (AFD), stood at €200, with a reduced rate of €150 if paid within 15 days and an increased rate of €450 if unpaid after 45 days. The new €500 fine will apply to all illicit narcotics.
Beyond the increased fines, the government plans to introduce additional measures to bolster its anti-drug efforts. These include:
- Appointing 'commissioners of the Republic' to enhance the recovery rates of fines, which have been described as unsatisfactory.
- Strengthening international cooperation to seize assets and apprehend leaders of drug networks operating from abroad.
While the primary focus is on deterrence through stricter penalties, the French government also stresses the importance of accompanying these measures with preventative and rehabilitative programs, including awareness campaigns and healthcare support.
5 Comments
Muchacho
They should be focusing on treatment and prevention, not just fines.
ZmeeLove
Finally, a government tackling drug violence head-on. This is a crucial step.
Africa
It's good to see proactive steps against trafficking, and making users aware of their role is important. Still, the effectiveness of financial penalties on deeply ingrained addiction patterns remains questionable without parallel efforts in social support.
Bermudez
€500? That's going to hit vulnerable people hard. Where's the compassion?
eliphas
While it's crucial to address the drug-related violence in Marseille, simply increasing fines might not tackle the root causes of addiction. A holistic approach with more robust treatment options is also essential.