Amid a concerning rise in violent crime, France is turning its attention to El Salvador’s successful anti-crime strategies, particularly the Territorial Control Plan (PCT) implemented under President Nayib Bukele. With an increase in violent deaths linked to criminal organizations, especially in provinces like Poitiers, France is exploring new approaches to address the growing security crisis.
In a meeting held at the National Assembly in Paris, French Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau, along with Prime Minister Michel Barnier, met with El Salvador’s Vice President Félix Ulloa Jr. to discuss the Salvadoran government’s approach to combating organized crime. The meeting underscored France’s interest in understanding the measures that have brought relative success to El Salvador in dismantling criminal structures, including the use of a state of emergency and military forces.
Retailleau expressed particular interest in learning about the exceptional measures taken by El Salvador, such as the use of the army in the War Against Gangs, based on the principle of jus ad bellum, a concept in international law that allows nations to defend themselves when under attack. France is currently evaluating similar options, including the potential deployment of military forces to combat the increasing violence.
The French delegation and the Salvadoran officials also discussed key elements of the PCT that have contributed to its success, including the synergy between the executive and legislative branches, judicial reforms, and enhanced law enforcement capabilities. The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening criminal legislation, purging corrupt elements from the judiciary, and ensuring coordinated action from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement agencies.
Retailleau noted that France would soon present a new bill to the National Assembly aimed at combating criminal organizations and curbing the alarming rise in violence. As part of the effort, French authorities plan to keep in regular contact with El Salvador’s Ambassador to France, Ms. Lorena Sol de Pool, to continue exploring how the PCT’s successful strategies could be adapted to French soil.
As the situation in France remains tense, the government’s willingness to explore international models reflects its commitment to finding effective solutions to secure communities and restore peace.