Candidating for the right in the upcoming municipal elections, Martine Vassal has officially secured backing from several parties, including Renaissance, LR, and Horizons. Recently, the Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI) also announced its support for Vassal, reaffirming her position as a unifying figure within the center-right spectrum.
In a statement released on Monday, UDI emphasized its commitment to rally the center and right behind a shared vision for Marseille, outlining values such as respect for fundamental freedoms, fraternity, and territorial justice. The party, led by Hervé Marseille, who heads the centrist senators, expressed confidence in Vassal's ability to lead this initiative.
This announcement comes on the heels of controversial remarks Vassal made last month, during which she dodged a question concerning a potential alliance with the National Rally (RN) for a second round of voting. Following public backlash, Vassal clarified her stance, stating emphatically that there had never been any intention to ally with extreme factions, a claim she has consistently opposed throughout her political career.
Marseille is expected to witness intense competition in the elections, with key candidates including RN deputy Franck Allisio and LFI deputy Sébastien Delogu poised to challenge Vassal. Current mayor Benoît Payan, who leads a coalition of left-wing, ecological, and civic groups, has not yet confirmed his candidacy, though it appears highly likely. Recent polls suggest a tightly contested race among Payan, Vassal, and Allisio, with potential partnerships or withdrawals likely to influence the outcome significantly.
Many experts, including political analyst Jean-Michel Baylet, believe that Vassal's coalition-building strategy may be critical in securing her position against strong opposition. “In a city like Marseille, it’s vital to create broad alliances, otherwise, it will be difficult to navigate the electoral landscape,” he noted in a recent interview with France Info.
As the municipal elections in March 2026 approach, all eyes will be on how these alliances are formed and what impact they will have on the political dynamics of France's second-largest city.
