France's local election campaign is entering a decisive phase ahead of the March vote. In Marseille, a sharp dispute erupted after right-wing candidate Martine Vassal invoked slogans associated with the Vichy regime. Meanwhile, in Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire presented his candidate list, while left-wing contender Sophia Chikirou faces accusations of aggressive rhetoric. Polls indicate an extremely tight race between incumbent mayors and their challengers.

Controversy Over Vichy Regime Slogans

Candidate Martine Vassal used the motto work, family, homeland, sparking accusations of references to the collaborationist government of Marshal Pétain.

Tight Race in Marseille

Polls give 31% to incumbent Benoît Payan, but Franck Allisio from RN trails him by only 2 percentage points.

Macron Admits to Mistakes

President Emmanuel Macron told Brut India that excessive self-confidence led him to make significant communication errors.

Reshuffles on Paris Lists

Emmanuel Grégoire registered a list with 70% new faces, while celebrity Koxie supported Sarah Knafo's list.

The atmosphere ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in France is becoming increasingly tense. In Marseille, the main topic of public debate has become a statement by Martine Vassal, a candidate supported by the presidential camp. During a televised debate, she declared that her fundamental values are: merit, work, family, and homeland. This formula immediately sparked outrage from the opposition, as an almost identical slogan was the official motto of the collaborationist Vichy regime. Vassal countered the accusations, claiming these values are timeless, though she later supplemented them with solidarity and humanitarianism. Simultaneously, polls indicate a very tight race in the capital of Provence. Incumbent mayor Benoît Payan from the left-wing bloc Printemps marseillais enjoys support at 31%, leading the far-right candidate Franck Allisio by just two percentage points. The debate also revealed deep divisions on security issues. Allisio proposed a controversial "anti-racaille" pass for beachgoers, which was sharply criticized by Sébastien Delogu from LFI. The French electoral system in cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon is based on a sectoral system, introduced in 1982 by the PLM law. Elections are not held directly for the mayor of the entire city, but for councilors of individual districts, who then elect the metropolitan mayor. In Paris, the campaign is also rife with personal attacks and reshuffles. Emmanuel Grégoire, representing the united left (excluding LFI), officially registered his list of 163 candidates, declaring a 70% renewal of personnel. At the same time, the far-right camp gained unexpected support – singer Koxie, known for 2000s hits, joined Sarah Knafo's list. The situation is complicated by image blunders, such as a statement by Sophia Chikirou about a "Kabyle smile," which was interpreted as a threat towards one of the artists. „My values have never changed: merit, work, family, and homeland.” — Martine Vassal Against the backdrop of local struggles, President Emmanuel Macron made a surprising self-reflection during a visit to India. He admitted to making serious mistakes stemming from excessive self-confidence, which often affected the perception of his public speeches. This declaration may be interpreted as an attempt to soften the image of the ruling camp ahead of the difficult electoral test in March, which will serve as a litmus test for the mood before the presidential elections. Poll Before First Round in Marseille: Benoît Payan (PS/DVG): 31, Franck Allisio (RN): 29, Sébastien Delogu (LFI): 18, Martine Vassal (LR/Renaissance): 15 2% — separates the poll leader from the RN candidate in Marseille Main Axes of Dispute in the Marseille Campaign: Security: Standard police patrols and surveillance → Proposals for beachgoer passes and closed zones; Ideology: Discourse on republican values → Return to slogans associated with national conservatism The French left focuses on accusing the right of flirting with Vichy ideology and on social issues and minority safety. | Conservative media emphasize the need to restore order (ordre) and promote patriotic values and the fight against crime.

Mentioned People

  • Martine Vassal — Center-right candidate for mayor of Marseille, accused of using slogans associated with the Vichy regime.
  • Benoît Payan — Incumbent mayor of Marseille, leader of the left-wing coalition Printemps marseillais.
  • Emmanuel Macron — President of France, who admitted to mistakes stemming from self-confidence.
  • Franck Allisio — MP and National Rally candidate for mayor of Marseille.