Two components of the left in Toulouse have begun their process towards the 2026 municipal elections. The first group, Les Écologistes, has designated Régis Godec, a 51-year-old librarian and co-secretary regional of the party, as their leader for the upcoming elections. Godec, who received 62.5% of the votes, beat out Antoine Maurice, the former leader of the left during the 2020 elections. Maurice, who was supported by the Archipel Citoyen movement, had previously contested Jean-Luc Moudenc, the current mayor, in the 2020 elections. Godec’s nomination came as a surprise to the local Greens as he had previously opposed Archipel Citoyen’s approach in 2020.
Godec expressed his desire to end the paradox of Toulouse, a city that consistently votes left in elections but has been unable to regain the mayor’s office. He plans to unite various parties, unions, and citizen and community movements in 2026 to present a single list for the elections. The left in Toulouse has been divided since 2014 and has struggled to win back a city that it believes should be naturally theirs. After the 2020 elections, the coalition led by Archipel Citoyen fractured within the municipal council, showing the differences between La France insoumise (LFI), Europe Ecologie-Les Verts, the Parti socialiste (PS), and civil society.
Archipel Citoyen, which had surprised many with its strong performance in the 2020 elections, held a re-launch event with 250 attendees. The movement aims to build a democratic, social, and ecological project for Toulouse and its Metropolis through a new “Political and Citizen Cooperative.” The collective momentum is seen as the beginning of a mobilization effort by the movement. The spokesperson, Arnaud Rivière, stated that Archipel Citoyen is open to discussions to unite in a common project while maintaining the unique aspects of the movement like its participatory workshops and inclusive approach.
The left-wing in Toulouse has faced challenges in presenting a united front, especially after the fracture of the Archipel Citoyen coalition. Godec’s nomination as the leader for Les Écologistes indicates a shift in strategy for the left as they prepare for the 2026 municipal elections. The goal is to overcome the internal divisions and disagreements that have hindered the left’s ability to win back the mayor’s office in Toulouse. The movement towards a single list for the 2026 elections reflects a desire for unity and collaboration among various left-wing parties and groups in the city.
The future of the left in Toulouse remains uncertain as different factions and groups position themselves for the upcoming elections. With Archipel Citoyen and Les Écologistes taking steps towards unity and collaboration, there is hope for a more cohesive and focused approach to the 2026 municipal elections. The desire to build a democratic, social, and ecological project for Toulouse and its Metropolis underscores the commitment of the left in the city to address pressing issues and to present a viable alternative to the current administration. The challenges ahead will require strong leadership, unity, and a clear vision for the future of Toulouse.
