Paris mayor hopeful calls for new armed police force

As LREM (La République En Marche) candidate, Ms Buzyn stepped into the role left last week by former candidate Benjamin Griveaux, as he stepped down after the release of a controversial sexual video.

Ms Buzyn was visiting residents yesterday (February 20) in the Boulevard de Clichy, in the 18th arrondissement, to discuss issues affecting the area.

One resident quickly said: “We have had big problems with prostitution in the avenue, with very violent intrusions in the building.”

Ms Buzyn responded that she would like to see a “neighbourhood police service on patrol, that can be called easily".

The policy is the same as that mentioned by Mr Griveaux before he stepped down.

It is supported, in some way, by most of the mayoral candidates - but some have questioned whether the force should be armed.

Ms Buzyn has stated that she is in favour of arming the force. She said: “At some point you have to see that we have no other choice. Women are scared when they walk outside. Parents are scared when their young people get back late at night.”