Martine Vassal, President of the Departmental Council of Bouches-du-Rhône, is gearing up for the upcoming municipal elections in Marseille in the first half of 2026. She is determined to oust the current mayor, Benoît Payan, and his left-wing coalition, whom she accuses of not doing enough for the city. Vassal, a member of the right-wing, held an “aïoli de rentrée” in Gardanne, where she gathered her supporters and emphasized the need for unity within the right-wing and center parties in order to win the election. With the presence of Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, the message was clear: victory in Marseille is possible with strategic cooperation.
The opposition to the current government, led by the left-wing Printemps marseillais coalition, was recently bolstered by the surprise arrival of Michel Barnier, seen as a blessing in their campaign. Additionally, the expected dissolution of the Assembly means that the controversial municipal electoral reform law, known as the “PLM law,” which the opposition strongly opposed, is likely to be abandoned. Martine Vassal is confident in her party’s ability to regain control, highlighting that they currently hold three out of eight sector mayoral positions and aiming to secure a fourth in the upcoming elections. The momentum is building, and the right-wing opposition is eager to make a strong comeback in Marseille politics.
The strategy for reconquest was unveiled at the Château de Forbin in Marseille, where the association Une génération pour Marseille held its first summer university. Led by figures such as Renaud Muselier’s cabinet director, Romain Simmarano, and the campaign director for former Secretary of State Sabrina Agresti-Roubache, Sandra Blanchard, the group aims to introduce new faces within the party and develop a comprehensive municipal program for 2026. The goal is to move away from the shadow of former mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin and present a fresh and appealing political platform to the voters.
Martine Vassal’s aggressive stance towards the current administration reflects a larger trend within the right-wing opposition in Marseille, which is determined to capitalize on recent electoral losses and dissatisfaction with the current leadership. The upcoming municipal elections are seen as a critical opportunity to regain control of the city and implement a new vision for its future. With strategic planning, unity within the right-wing parties, and the support of key figures like Renaud Muselier, the opposition believes it has a strong chance of success in the upcoming election.
The rhetoric and actions of Martine Vassal and her allies indicate a clear intention to challenge the left-wing incumbents in Marseille and present a viable alternative to the voters. By emphasizing unity, strategic planning, and the need for change, the right-wing opposition is positioning itself as a credible and energetic force in local politics. The upcoming months leading to the municipal elections will likely see intensified campaigning, debate, and political maneuvering as both sides vie for control of the second largest city in France. The outcome of the elections in Marseille will have significant implications for the city’s future direction and political landscape.
