Interior Ministry rejects no-confidence motion and relies on investigations in Lyhanna and Louis cases

Paris – 01.07.2026: Jean-Didier Berger, Minister Delegate at the Interior Ministry, in an interview dismissed the no-confidence motion announced by the Greens as a purely political maneuver. He stood behind the investigative authorities in the recent violent incidents and promised additional state commitment against organized crime in the overseas territories.

The starting point of the debate are three areas that have shaped public discussion in recent weeks: the investigations into the murder of eleven-year-old Lyhanna, the murder of Louis that became known shortly afterwards, and criticism of preparedness for heatwaves in municipalities run by the Greens. Berger emphasized that priorities are clarification, protection of potentially endangered children and tangible improvements in procedures between police, youth services and the judiciary.

Regarding the Lyhanna affair the minister pointed to parallel investigations by several departments in different parts of the country. Internal reviews have been initiated to identify possible failures in risk assessment and information exchange. According to him, the executive is working with public prosecutors and prefectures to standardize procedures and accelerate reporting chains. In the Louis case too, he said, legally proper investigations and victim protection are central; he rejects political pre-judgments.

The no-confidence motion demanded by the Greens and a parliamentary inquiry into heat protection policy were described by Berger as transparent maneuvering. At the same time he announced that results of planned inspections of municipal heatwave preparedness would be evaluated and, where necessary, practical consequences drawn — for example through clearer responsibilities between municipalities, prefectures and health services. Symbolic politics, Berger said, do not replace operational improvements.

With a view to security in the Antilles and French Guiana the minister announced intensified action against drug trafficking. Planned measures include a stronger presence of security forces at ports and airports, additional maritime controls, closer cooperation with local authorities and a review of logistical capabilities for longer deployments in hard-to-reach areas. The aim is to dismantle supply chains early and weaken local structures of organized crime.

The opposition reacted critically and demanded transparent, independent reviews as well as binding commitments to judicial and social reforms. While the government relies on internal follow-up and operational reinforcements, critics are calling for measurable deadlines and parliamentary oversight. How robust the announced steps will be is likely to become clear from the next investigative developments and the first implementation reports from police, the judiciary and overseas territories.