Strasbourg Mayoral Race: Vetter Criticizes Rivals’ Shifting Alliances
Strasbourg, France – Jean-Philippe Vetter, the Republican candidate for mayor of Strasbourg, criticized the evolving alliances between his political opponents, Catherine Trautmann (Socialist Party) and Jeanne Barseghian (outgoing environmentalist mayor), as the election nears. Vetter expressed his disappointment with what he described as a willingness to compromise principles for political gain.
Vetter Rejects Second-Round Agreements
Speaking at a debate held at the headquarters of Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace (DNA) on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Vetter stated, “Do you realize the desolate spectacle that all this gave throughout France, where everyone was ready to deny their convictions for places?” He reaffirmed his refusal to enter into any second-round agreement, citing a commitment to “clarity” in the election process. Vetter secured 24.2% of the vote in the first round.
Alliances Form as Election Nears
Catherine Trautmann, who received 25.9% of the vote in the first round, welcomed Horizons candidate Pierre Jakubowicz (5.1%) onto her list. This move was met with disapproval from the national leadership of both the Socialist Party and Horizons. Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, stated that Trautmann had positioned herself “outside the party,” although Horizons announced its support for Jean-Philippe Vetter.
Jeanne Barseghian, who garnered 19.7% of the vote in the first round, received the endorsement of Florian Kobryn, representing the rebel faction.
Reactions from Opponents
Jeanne Barseghian responded to Vetter’s criticism by stating, “The left unites with the left,” and thanked him for “making things official” after what she characterized as previous collaboration with the Macronist right in the municipal opposition. She added, “Neither left nor right, a little to the left a little to the right, we saw what that gave in France!”
Catherine Trautmann attacked what she perceived as a lack of respect for Strasbourg’s values, stating, “I do not believe that the left honors itself (…) when it loses the soul of Strasbourg, because the soul of Strasbourg is not to brutalize, not to be in conflict, it is to be in appeasement, respect and dialogue.” She also questioned the motivations behind the opposition to her candidacy, asserting, “It’s because I came in first! And because it hurts, today, the outgoing mayor.”
Vetter Outlines Priorities
Vetter used the opportunity to reiterate his campaign platform, focusing on increasing the number of municipal police officers and reducing administrative staff through non-replacement of retiring agents. He welcomed the criticisms from his opponents, stating, “Everyone insults each other, everyone sends anathemas to each other.”