It is barely 10 p.m. but the election is already closed. “We won, it’s incredible,” exclaims an activist. Under the “Haddad! Haddad! Haddad! “, The mayor just elected connects the shakes of hands, the hugs, the thanks and the selfies with his supporters, who exult. As if the victory had sent the coronavirus and barrier gestures back to oblivion. ” We did it ! We did it ! », Gets carried away this young activist, all smiles, almost incredulous.
The outgoing mayor (PS) Patrick Haddad won the municipal elections this Sunday, beating the deputy (DVG) François Pupponi. A political earthquake in a city held by the parliamentarian since the election of Dominique Strauss-Kahn in 1995. The score is final. Around 11:30 p.m., the outgoing mayor was given the winner with about 58% against 42%. With a participation of 36.14%, against 29.55% in the first round and 41.74% in 2014.
A new page is written
A page turns to Sarcelles. Definitely. “I am very happy,” says Patrick Haddad, surrounded by his faithful in front of the town hall. Above all, for all the joy I see, with these Sarcellois who carried me throughout the campaign. I have not seen such fervor since 1995 and the victory of Dominique Strauss-Kahn. It’s beautiful ! “
The mayor, elected by the city council in December 2018, has managed to put down the boss of the town for two decades, François Pupponi. In 2001, 2008 and 2014, the one who had chosen the deputation in 2017, had won, largely, in the first round. So here he is beaten, for the first time in twenty-five years.
“It’s the end of an era”
His list “So that Vive Sarcelles” did not capitalize on the rallies of Jocelyn Assor and Mourad Chikaoui, disappointed candidates in the first round, who both achieved a score of around 7%. Visibly touched and bitter, like his supporters in front of his campaign headquarters on rue Pierre-Brossolette, François Pupponi, who had taken over the head of the list for this second round, did not wish to speak.
The elected mayor savors his victory and marks a break with his predecessor. “It’s the end of an era, that’s obvious. A new page opens. There was a real popular aspiration. I am satisfied that the city remains on the left, proud to have been the candidate of the Socialist Party, launches Patrick Haddad. It will very quickly be necessary to get to work. “
“We needed a new lease of life”
Its supporters relish a “historic victory”. “Finally François Pupponi was beaten, I have the impression that my city is coming back to life,” Cécilia says. We needed a new lease of life, youth at the town hall! “Pupponi has had its day, it was necessary that it passes the hand, so that the policy is renewed”, continues Zineb, 45 years.
At City Hall, where the excitement was palpable, it was difficult to find supporters of the deputy this Sunday evening. But even the most loyal supporters of Patrick Haddad had a word for the former mayor. “We must not forget everything he did and for whom we voted for the past two decades,” warns Michel.
“He played his role for twenty years, it must be admitted, he took care of the town, did great things for housing and schools, greets Nora, resident of the city for 36 years. Now everything is changing, the city is relaunching. Until then, it was the routine at each election, he won by a lot… A page turns, really. “
