The campaign ahead of the municipal elections in Marseille has entered a phase of the most intense confrontation. During a televised debate, Martine Vassal, a center-right candidate, sparked a nationwide scandal by invoking values associated with the Vichy regime. Meanwhile, the latest polls indicate an extremely tight race between incumbent mayor Benoît Payan and National Rally representative Franck Allisio, making Marseille a key political battleground in France.

Martine Vassal's Controversial Slogans

Candidate Martine Vassal used slogans associated with the Vichy regime, sparking a political storm and sharp protests from left-wing circles during a debate in Marseille.

Tight Race for Mayor's Office

Polls give 31% support to Benoît Payan and 29% to Franck Allisio, making the second-round outcome unpredictable at this stage.

Security as the Top Issue

Candidates are competing on solutions regarding crime, from protecting candidates against cartels to controversial beach passes proposed by the RN.

The atmosphere surrounding the upcoming municipal elections in Marseille, scheduled for March 15 and 22, 2026, has sharply intensified following a debate organized by BFMTV. The main flashpoint became the statement by Martine Vassal, a candidate supported by the presidential party and the Republicans. During the discussion, she declared that her unwavering values are "merit, work, family, and homeland." This prompted an immediate reaction from incumbent mayor Benoît Payan, who reminded that these words constitute the slogan triad of the collaborationist Vichy regime. Vassal, despite a wave of criticism and accusations of historical revisionism, maintained her position, arguing that these values should not be exclusively associated with a dark period in French history. The Vichy regime, existing from 1940 to 1944 under the leadership of Marshal Philippe Pétain, replaced the republican motto "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" with the slogan "Work, Family, Homeland," symbolizing a break from democratic traditions and a turn toward authoritarianism. The political situation in the city is exceptionally complicated not only due to ideological disputes but also real threats. Amine Kessaci, a candidate from Mayor Payan's list, is campaigning under strict police protection due to death threats from drug traffickers. Simultaneously, the candidate of the right-wing National Rally, Franck Allisio, promotes controversial solutions such as the "anti-scum pass" (pass anti-racailles), intended to restrict beach access for individuals violating public order. „My values have never changed: merit, work, family, homeland, as well as humanity and solidarity.” — Martine Vassal The latest polling data from the Elabe institute indicates a minimal lead for Benoît Payan, who can count on 31% of votes, while Franck Allisio is close behind with 29%. Also in contention are Sébastien Delogu from the left-wing France Unbowed and the aforementioned Martine Vassal. Experts note that the Marseille plebiscite will serve as a kind of laboratory ahead of the presidential elections, testing the ability of traditional parties to halt extreme parties amid deep social divisions and growing insecurity. Benoît Payan: 31, Franck Allisio: 29, Sébastien Delogu: 18, Martine Vassal: 15 [{"dataISO": "2026-03-15", "data": "March 15, 2026", "event": "First round of municipal elections"}, {"dataISO": "2026-03-22", "data": "March 22, 2026", "event": "Second round and final decision"}]

Mentioned People

  • Martine Vassal — Right-wing candidate for mayor of Marseille, sparked a scandal by referencing slogans from the World War II period.
  • Benoît Payan — Incumbent mayor of Marseille, left-wing representative, leader in pre-election polls.
  • Franck Allisio — MP and candidate of the National Rally, main rival of the current mayor.