In Ifs, near Caen (Calvados), the two opposition lists will come together for the second round of June 28, 2020. The head of the list, Arnaud Fontaine, throws in the towel.
Published on May 28, 20 at 11:17
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March 15, 2020, during first round of municipal elections at Yew, near Caen, the list led by Arnaud Fontaine came third (18.23%), behind that of Mayor Michel Patard-Legendre (48.8%) and that of former Mayor Jean-Paul Gauchard (32.96%).
For the second round, his “Together for Ifs” list will not appear. Some of his running mate will join the list of the Citizen Left led by Jean-Paul Gauchard. Arnaud Fontaine will not be one of them. Interview.
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Why won’t the Ensemble pour Ifs list be present in the second round when it won this right in the ballot box in March?
We believe that the political conditions are no longer met. Holding a second round under current conditions is a masquerade. The two opposition lists will be unable to campaign effectively given the measures taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Four members of our list were seriously ill after the first round. The recovery was long and painful.
Read also: Municipal 2020. In Ifs, the outgoing mayor, Michel Patard Legendre in good shape after the first round
It would be irresponsible to ask our constituents to travel en masse for an election that flouts the precautionary principle. However, without massive mobilization of abstainers, we will not be able to catch up on the other two lists. So, collectively, we have drawn all the consequences. We understand that in the middle of a pandemic, the Ifois prefer to reassure themselves with those they already know (the outgoing mayor or the previous mayor) and the traditional right-left divide. The time for audacity and renewal will come later but not this time …
“Only the Citizen Left wished to be open”
Towards a total withdrawal?
We did not ask ourselves the question in these terms. We were open to exchanges with the other two lists, we had said so. Only the Citizen Left wished to show openness and expressed a desire to unite. Our collective choice aims to make the second round the occasion for a real democratic choice, if only out of respect for those who travel. Even if it means taking risks, the game must at least be worth the candle.
There will remain two lists including a real uncertainty. Full withdrawal has been considered, but as the head of the list, I thought it wiser to leave those who wished to continue, if only because they are people of value (s) and that ‘no group can claim to be the owner of the skills that make it up. A number of our candidates will therefore still be on the opposition list in the running.
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“I throw in the towel, for consistency”
Personally, what will you do?
For my part, I throw in the towel, for consistency. Out of respect for the values that I have defended all my life, I refused to maintain my list in a triangular which would arithmetically condemn the left. I also did not see myself betraying my center-right running mate and a number of our constituents who were on a local logic and not political.
People are tired of the elected weathervane who change their minds according to their personal interests. I take responsibility for the rallying process that was ours. She did not convince enough but I do not deny her, I do not regret her. I will continue to do what I have always done for my city: make myself useful.
Will you give a voting instruction?
Again, you have to be consistent, everyone regains their freedom and will vote in conscience at the end of June. Those who know me know very well who I will vote for, but it would be contradictory for me, as the head of the list, to pronounce myself officially when our collective is not unanimous.
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