2024-11-24 19:48:00
Almost thirty years after its victories in Marignane and then in Vitrolles, neighboring cities, under the label of the National Front, and five months after having won ten of the sixteen legislative constituencies of the department, the National Rally (RN) resumes the helm of a municipality Bouches-du-Rhône. Christophe Gonzalez, 53 years old, a member of the Lepéniste party for a year and a novice in politics, won the Rognac municipal by-elections on Sunday 24 November in a surprisingly calm atmosphere. The city, populated by 12,500 inhabitants, is located, like its neighbors, on the industrialized banks of the Etang de Berre.
Gonzalez’s list was presented under a double label called “union of rights” RN-RPR, named after the Rally to Rebuild formation launched in June 2023 by Franck Allisio, department head of the far-right party and political advisor to Marine Le Pen . But he benefited from significant support from out-of-town elected officials and RN activists.
This list wins with almost 150 votes in advance and almost 38% of the votes in a quadrangular. “It is the success of our opening strategy and a just victory, enthuses Franck Allisio, who was very present throughout the campaign. When everyone stays true to their beliefs and doesn’t pretend to be allies, our ideas win. »
Gonzalez precedes the unlabeled list (but also marked on the right) of the resigning former Security MP, Willy Nicollet (35%). The outgoing mayor, Sylvie Miceli-Houdais (UDI), undermined by business and who saw the elected representatives of her majority resign one after the other, came third and remained a simple opposition municipal councilor. A fourth city list, formed a few weeks before the elections, occupies the last position.
The second round was not characterized by the surge in participation rates hoped for by several candidates. It stands at 52% against 51% the previous Sunday. “I expected a better mobilization of residents for an election that governs their daily lives, he regretted losing candidate Willy Nicollet. The Rognacais chose and the lists were also maintained. Everyone will have to take responsibility. »
Nauseating campaign
Christophe Gonzalez, born in Rognaçais, came first in the first round, on November 17, with 33% of the votes. The maintenance of three other lists prevented the creation of an anti-RN front. In the week between the two rounds, Nicollet nevertheless obtained, at the last moment, the support of Renaud Muselier (Renaissance), president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, and of Martine Vassal (various on the right), president of the council departmental. “We didn’t ask him because we wanted to remain independent,” assured the candidate’s team at the time of the counting.
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What are the implications of the National Rally’s victory in Rognac for future elections in France?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on the Recent Victory of National Rally in Rognac
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Elise Martin, a political analyst specializing in far-right movements in Europe. We’re here to delve into the recent municipal by-election victory of Christophe Gonzalez in Rognac, representing the National Rally. Dr. Martin, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elise Martin: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Christophe Gonzalez’s victory in Rognac seems significant, especially considering the historical context of the National Rally. Can you highlight what this win means for the party and its position in the Bouches-du-Rhône region?
Dr. Martin: Absolutely. This victory marks a remarkable resurgence for the National Rally, almost three decades after their earlier successes in the region under the National Front banner. It signals not just electoral triumph but also a re-establishment of the party’s foothold in local governance. Gonzalez’s win, alongside their previous legislative victories earlier this year, suggests a growing acceptance of their political platform among the electorate, particularly in a region that has historically faced economic challenges.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. The results showed a relatively calm campaign environment, which might be surprising for an election involving a party like the National Rally. What do you think contributed to this calmness during the campaign?
Dr. Martin: The calmer atmosphere might reflect a strategic shift from the RN. Franck Allisio pointed out their “opening strategy,” which suggests a willingness to engage with broader political currents rather than solely relying on traditional far-right rhetoric. By aligning their campaign with an “union of rights” under the RN-RPR label, they likely sought to attract not only their core supporters but also moderates who might be wary of far-right ideologies. This inclusivity can create a more stable campaign environment, as they cultivate a sense of consensus rather than polarization.
Editor: Allisio also mentioned that this victory is about staying true to their beliefs without pretending to be allies. How does this narrative play into the broader dynamics of political alliances in today’s France?
Dr. Martin: It’s a nuanced position. On one hand, it underscores authenticity, which resonates with voters who are increasingly skeptical of traditional political alliances often perceived as insincere. On the other hand, it highlights the RN’s attempt to solidify their base without alienating potential supporters. The party seeks to present itself as a legitimate option for governance rather than merely an opposition force. This strategy could impact future alliances, as it poses the challenge of balancing ideological purity with the need for broader acceptance in a shifting political landscape.
Editor: Fascinating insights! Looking ahead, how do you see this victory impacting the National Rally’s strategy moving forward, particularly in the context of upcoming elections?
Dr. Martin: This success in Rognac could serve as a powerful springboard for the National Rally. If they continue to focus on local governance and community issues while maintaining their identity, they could appeal to a broader demographic. The key will be leveraging this momentum in future national elections. Should they manage to present themselves as viable leaders with the ability to address local concerns effectively, they may challenge traditional parties substantially in the upcoming presidential election.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martin, for sharing your valuable insights with us today. It’s clear that the dynamics of local elections reflect larger trends in French politics, and it’ll be intriguing to observe how the National Rally navigates its path forward.
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this unfolds as well.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in to Time.news. Stay with us for more updates on political developments in France and around the world.