France Calls for Army to Fight Drug Crisis: A Nation’s Plea

French soldiers training for a mission for the sentinelle operation, Occitanie, Toulouse, France Photo by Fred Marie/Art In All Of Us/Corbis via Getty Images)

Introduction

France is at a crossroads, grappling with a surging drug trafficking crisis that has left its citizens, especially women, feeling unsafe. A recent CSA poll reveals that 76% of French people, including 80% of women, support deploying the army to disadvantaged neighborhoods to combat this scourge. This call for action, amplified by a viral video exposing lawlessness in Nîmes, reflects a nation’s demand for order. Join us as we explore this crisis, a shocking event, a comforting coq au vin recipe, and a soothing French folk remedy.

A Nation Demands Action Against Drug Trafficking

According to a CSA poll conducted for CNews, Europe 1, and JDD, 76% of French citizens support army deployment to tackle drug trafficking in “disadvantaged neighborhoods,” with women (80%) more supportive than men (72%). This sentiment stems from rising insecurity, with an 86% increase in sexual violence over the past decade, often linked to mass immigration from Africa and the Middle East. The poll also shows strong support across political lines, with 90% of National Rally voters, 81% of Renaissance supporters, and even 52% of far-left La France Insoumise voters backing military intervention.

[](https://www.lejdd.fr/societe/sondage-76-des-francais-desapprouvent-le-bilan-securitaire-de-macron-145622)

Viral Nîmes “Ghetto Tour” Exposes Lawlessness

A recent viral video by a German YouTuber, showcasing a “ghetto tour” in Nîmes, has shocked millions, garnering widespread attention. The footage revealed drug dealers openly displaying weapons and operating a stand with food and drinks in a hotspot, with police conspicuously absent. This brazen display of lawlessness, reported by France 24, has fueled public outrage and intensified pressure on Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has declared the fight against drug gangs his top priority. The video underscores France’s struggle to maintain order, drawing parallels to debates in the US during the 2020 George Floyd riots, where 51% of Americans supported military intervention.

[](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20241114-tipping-point-how-drug-trafficking-became-national-cause-france)

French Comfort: Coq au Vin Recipe

Amid these challenges, French cuisine offers solace. Coq au vin, a hearty chicken stew simmered in red wine, is a beloved dish that embodies the nation’s culinary heritage. Here’s a recipe to warm your heart:

Classic Coq au Vin

• Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 4 slices bacon (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (sliced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 cup red wine, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp thyme, 8 oz mushrooms (sliced), salt, pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. Brown chicken thighs in bacon fat, then remove.
  3. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Return chicken and bacon to pot. Add wine, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Add mushrooms and cook for 15 more minutes. Serve with crusty bread.

Share this dish with loved ones to reconnect with France’s comforting traditions.

Folk Medicine: Lavender Tea for Stress Relief

In Provence, lavender tea is a cherished folk remedy for stress and anxiety, offering a moment of calm in turbulent times. Here’s how to make it:

Lavender Tea Remedy

• Ingredients: 1 tsp dried lavender buds, 1 cup boiling water, 1 tsp honey (optional).
• Instructions:
  1. Place lavender buds in a cup.
  2. Pour boiling water over buds and steep for 5–7 minutes.
  3. Strain, add honey if desired, and sip slowly.

Note: Consult a doctor for persistent stress, but this remedy reflects France’s love for natural healing.

A Cry for Safety and Unity

France’s call for army deployment is a powerful plea for safety and order, echoing the sentiments of women, youth, and even left-wing voters. The Nîmes video has exposed a stark reality, but it also unites the French in their resolve to reclaim their streets. As you savor coq au vin or sip lavender tea, let this moment inspire hope for a stronger, safer France. Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!