Louis Boyard Leads First round of villeneuve-Saint-Georges Municipal Election Amid Political Turmoil
The anticipated municipal election in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges has taken a dramatic turn, with Louis Boyard, a deputy from La France Insoumise (LFI), emerging as the frontrunner in the first round. The election, held on January 26, 2025, has sparked intense reactions from across the political spectrum, particularly from Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of the Interior, who declared, ”No commune in france deserves to have at its head a mayor of rebellious France.”
Boyard’s victory, tho narrow, has positioned him as a key figure in a race that has become a litmus test for LFI’s municipal ambitions. The 24-year-old deputy secured the top spot, ahead of Kristell Niasme of Les Républicains (LR), who garnered 22.72% of the vote, and Daniel Henry, a candidate from the various left, who trailed with 20.6%.
A Call for Unity Against the “Extreme Left”
The results have prompted calls for unity among opposing factions.Retailleau, while congratulating Niasme for her “vrey good score,” emphasized the need for a broad coalition to counter LFI’s influence. “The union, behind it, must be as wide as possible to have the extreme left beat in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges,” he stated.
Similarly, Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region and a member of LR, urged candidates from the right and center to rally behind Niasme. ”any division which would allow the victory of the LFI and the disorder would be a political and moral fault towards the Villeneuvois!” she warned.
Boyard’s Response and Strategy
Despite the backlash, Boyard remains optimistic. Taking to X, he celebrated his lead, stating, “Against and against everything, we are at the top of the first round of the municipal election in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, ahead of the extreme right list of the outgoing mayor!” He has called for “the opening of discussions to protect the city from the danger of the extreme right.”
boyard’s campaign has garnered support from prominent LFI figures, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who personally congratulated him, and Manon Aubry, an MEP who urged “maximum mobilization” for the second round.
A City in Turmoil
The election comes after months of political instability in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges. The controversy began in April 2024, when outgoing mayor Philippe Gaudin made a Nazi salute during a municipal council meeting, leading to widespread resignations and the call for an early election. Gaudin, who finished fourth with 15.54% of the vote, has as apologized, calling the gesture “a joke more then anything else.”
A Test for LFI
For LFI, the election represents a critical possibility to expand its local influence. The party, which lacks a strong base of local elected officials, has invested heavily in the campaign. A victory for Boyard would make Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, a town of 35,000 with a poverty rate of 34%, the largest municipality under LFI control.
The second round,scheduled for February 2,will see Boyard face off against Niasme,Henry,Gaudin,and Eric Colson,all of whom secured more than 10% of the vote.
Key election Results
| Candidate | Party | Vote Percentage |
|——————–|———————-|——————|
| Louis Boyard | la France Insoumise | Leading |
| Kristell Niasme | Les Républicains | 22.72% |
| Daniel henry | Various Left | 20.6% |
| philippe Gaudin | DVD | 15.54% |
| Eric Colson | – | – |
As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are on Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, a city that has become a battleground for France’s political future. Will Boyard’s momentum carry him to victory, or will the united front against LFI prevail? The answer will shape not just the city’s future but also the trajectory of French politics.
