Unconventional Candidates and Notable Trends in the 2026 French Municipal Elections
The upcoming municipal elections in France, scheduled for March 15th and 22nd, 2026, are showcasing a diverse range of candidates, extending beyond traditional political figures. From familial rivalries to individuals with unique backgrounds, this election cycle is marked by several atypical profiles and noteworthy trends.
Family Feuds and Political Rivalries
Several municipalities are witnessing direct competition between family members. In Sainte-Gauburge-Sainte-Colombe (Orne), Yves Bigot, 64, is challenging his brother Philippe Bigot, 62, the town’s mayor for over thirty years Ouest France. Yves Bigot asserts that “things are no longer right” in the town, fueling his bid to unseat his brother. A similar fraternal duel is unfolding in Saint-André, Reunion, where Laurent Virapoullé and Jean-Marie Virapoullé are both running against the incumbent mayor, but on separate lists.
In Mennecy, Essonne, outgoing mayor Jean-Philippe Dugoin-Clément faces a challenge from his father, Xavier Dugoin, who previously served as mayor until 2011 Le Point. The relationship between the two is strained, with the son stating, “I never called him ‘Daddy,’ he never said ‘I love you’ to me.” Jerome Squelard and Arnaud Pageaud are also forming a unique partnership, sharing the town hall of Teillé (Loire-Atlantique) since 2020, a governance model they intend to continue.
Age is Just a Number
The elections feature candidates spanning a wide age range. Yves Bahu, 93, running for reelection in Priez (Aisne), and Guy Delattre, 94, seeking another term in Gorges (Somme), are the two oldest French mayors hoping to continue their service Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Bahu is also the oldest city councilor in France. Yvette Vigié, 93, also aims to retain her mayoral seat in Nabirat (Dordogne).
At the other end of the spectrum, 18-year-aged Quentin Calbris is running for mayor of Giberville (Calvados). A first-year political science student, he leads the “Citizen alternative” list and describes himself on Instagram as a “100% local product.” Hugo Biolley, 24, is seeking reelection in Vinzieux (Ardèche), having been elected at just 18 years old in 2020.
Unconventional Backgrounds and Notable Personalities
The candidate pool includes individuals from diverse and unexpected backgrounds. Gilbert Dineshrad of Barthassarady, 38, a former banking advisor, actor, and self-proclaimed prince from India, is running in Sin-le-Noble, in the North La Voix du Nord. He has a significant social media presence, with over 800,000 followers on Instagram.
Brother Jean-Philippe Duval, a 71-year-old Benedictine monk from Saint-Pierre Abbey, is also a candidate in Solesmes (Sarthe) Le Parisien. He intends to defend the interests of the monastery while continuing his daily prayers. Comedian Rémi Gaillard, known for his internet pranks, is running for mayor of Montpellier with the slogan “Yes we clown,” advocating for animal rights.
Sports Figures Enter the Arena
Several personalities from the world of sports are also participating in the municipal elections. Lionel Mpasi, goalkeeper for Le Havre in Ligue 2, is on the list in Rodez (Aveyron), while Johan Gastien, midfielder at Clermont in Ligue 2, is running in Sayat (Puy-de-Dôme). Pierrick Capelle, Angers SCO midfielder in Ligue 1, is seeking reelection in Saint-Jean-de-Linières (Maine-et-Loire) as the sole list in the running. Former Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas is leading the polls in Lyon, and Serge Blanco, a former French rugby international, is a candidate in Biarritz. Marie Martinod, a double silver medalist in freestyle skiing, heads the “Mountain of the future” list in Aime-la-Plagne (Savoie).
Past and Present
Yann Fleurquin, 35, running with the RN list in Ajaccio, has a complex past, having been convicted of murder in 2005 and serving a 12-year sentence Corse-Matin. He states he has “paid his sentence.”
Unique Municipalities
Six communes in the Meuse department, destroyed during the Battle of Verdun in 1916 and never rebuilt, remain without inhabitants but still have mayors appointed to preserve the memory of France. Conversely, numerous inhabited municipalities lack candidates, requiring the appointment of special delegations to manage current affairs until new elections can be held.