TRUE OR FALSE. Are mayors increasingly targeted by violence?

For several months, political staff have been denouncing an increase in violence against elected officials in the constituencies. They fear that individuals will attack their town hall, their offices, their homes and even their families. Complaints and reports of violence against elected officials have been increasing in recent years. They increased by 32% between 2021 and 2022 and by 15% in 2023, a year during which 2,600 acts of violence against elected officials were recorded. An increase which creates a difficult climate to live in according to several mayors of France. “In our heads, on a family and individual level, we ask ourselves questions. Is tomorrow worth continuing to invest in others?”asks Raphaël Salaün, mayor of Saint-Joachim (Loire-Atlantique).

More common violence

In addition to the violence, elected officials also say they are targeted by incivility. 69% of mayors say they have been victims of aggressiveness or rudeness in the context of their duties, a higher figure in previous years. 39% of them say they have suffered insults and 27% have already been attacked or threatened on social networks. Small everyday attacks are also more numerous, and they reinforce the feeling of insecurity for city councilors.