After the officialization this Friday by Edouard Philippe of the organization of the 2nd round of the municipal elections on June 28, unless the health situation, by then, were to deteriorate, the first reactions were not long in Seine -Saint-Denis, which is one of the departments most affected by the Covid-19 epidemic.
Laurent Russier, the mayor (PCF) of Saint-Denis, the largest city in 93, says he “regrets” the government’s decision, believing that it “poses several important democratic problems. “
The risk of “massive abstention”
The councilor, who has 1,548 votes to go up on the socialist Mathieu Hanotin, who came first in the 1st round, considers this choice of date “premature”, pointing in particular to the risk of “massive abstention” in a little more ‘a month.
“This health and social crisis was very anxiety-provoking and deeply affected (the inhabitants), recalls Laurent Russier. Today they have other emergencies and other concerns than the holding of municipal elections, he continues. However, for it to be truly democratic, this ballot must be able to assure everyone – whatever their state of health – to be able to vote in peace, without fear or particular pressure. “
A “dangerous first” for Coquerel (LFI)
Laurent Russier who, in order to win, will imperatively have to make an alliance with his 3rd assistant Bally Bagayoko (whose list came third in the 1st round), also believes that the current context will not allow “the different lists to inform and mobilize, in proximity and exchange around an election which is nevertheless fundamental for everyone’s life. “
The deputy (LFI) of the 1st constituency of Seine-Saint-Denis (which includes part of Saint-Denis), Eric Coquerel, also expressed himself in the same direction this Friday, saying that “the executive takes the risk of repeating the fault of the 1st round. “” There is a health risk but we are also contaminating democracy: organizing an election without the right to campaign is a dangerous first. “
