Juliette Méadel's Visit to La Beaucaire: Focus on Community Development and Security
The Minister for the City highlights local initiatives and police presence during her tour of Toulon’s La Beaucaire neighborhood.
On May 23, 2025, Juliette Méadel, the Minister Delegated for the City, conducted a visit to the La Beaucaire neighborhood in Toulon, engaging with community representatives including associations, local institutions, and the local boxing club.
Accompanied by Toulon and Var officials such as Mayor Josée Massi and Senator Michel Bonnus, Méadel focused on ongoing projects aimed at improving local living conditions.
During her tour, Méadel emphasized the importance of community support and resilience amid the challenges faced by local organizations.
She visited the headquarters of various associations, including Amitiés Cité, which recently experienced vandalism but continues to serve the community.
Director Christelle Lecart reported that the association caters to 75 families weekly through a solidarity grocery store, offering essential goods at significantly reduced prices.
The minister expressed her admiration for the community's efforts, acknowledging the importance of local initiatives in combating poverty and enhancing social cohesion.
"There is much to be done here, but there is a lot of energy, and I am here to encourage initiatives like your solidarity grocery store," Méadel stated.
She noted the creative projects undertaken by children in the neighborhood, including mural painting and vegetable gardening, which contribute positively to the community atmosphere.
In the morning, Méadel also visited the local police station, where recent efforts have led to the dismantling of drug dealing hotspots.
Commissioner Jérôme Martin highlighted the ongoing police presence and investigative work, which have yielded results in combatting drug trafficking, abandoned vehicles, and illegal squatting.
In discussing community safety, Méadel emphasized the importance of local policing, stating, "There is no freedom without security."
Plans for expanding the police headquarters were discussed, with supportive comments from Mayor Massi, who noted the necessity of cooperation between municipal and national police forces.
Toulon is set to receive an additional ten municipal police officers this year as part of these efforts.
Further developments were mentioned regarding the creation of a 'Maison des Services' and a new park spanning 12,000 square meters, with announcements anticipated on June 10. This will build on the groundwork laid by existing community services, including the recently vacated local office of the CAF.
The minister concluded her visit with a stop at the La Beaucaire boxing club, engaging directly with young athletes.
During this interaction, she acknowledged the contributions of local youth and encouraged their aspirations, reflecting on the optimism present in Toulon and the potential significance it holds for broader societal improvement.