Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin) is bracing for a potentially seismic shift in local politics, as incumbent environmentalist Mayor Jeanne Barseghian faces a crowded field of challengers in the upcoming municipal elections. The outcome, observers say, could signal whether the “green wave” that swept through French cities in 2020 has staying power.
A Fragmented Race for Strasbourg’s City Hall
Table of Contents
The mayoral race in Strasbourg is shaping up to be a complex contest with candidates spanning the political spectrum.
- Jeanne Barseghian, the current mayor, seeks a second term after a historic win in 2020.
- A total of nine candidates are vying for the position, representing a wide range of ideologies.
- Recent polls suggest a tight race, with Catherine Trautmann emerging as a strong contender.
- Key issues include budgetary concerns, urban development projects, and public safety.
In 2020, Strasbourg became a symbol of the growing environmental movement when Jeanne Barseghian became the city’s first ecologist mayor. Now, six years later, she’s aiming to solidify that change with a new mandate. But she’ll face a fractured opposition, with three lists on the left and three on the right, promising a highly contested election.
Who’s in the Running?
The candidate field is notably crowded, with few pre-election alliances formed. Barseghian leads a list supported by Place publique, Génération·s, Debout!, L’après and Génération écologie. Challenging her is Catherine Trautmann (PS), a veteran of Strasbourg politics aiming to unite the center-left. Pierre Jakubowicz, backed by Horizons, Renaissance and MoDem, represents the centrist camp. Jean-Philippe Vetter (Les Républicains) hopes to reclaim the city hall, last held by the right in 1989, and affirmed Monday January 12 that he would not form any alliances in a potential second round.
Virginie Joron of the National Rally is running on a platform focused on security and stricter municipal management. Florian Kobryn, representing La France insoumise, prioritizes free public services, rent control, and social programs. Other candidates include Fahad Raja Muhammad (Independent People’s Movement), Cem Yoldas (Strasbourg is us! / NPA-affiliated), Louise Fève (Workers’ Struggle), Ismaïl Becherirat (United for Strasbourg), Thibaut Vinci (Radical Left Party), Mohamed Sylla (Utiles) and Clément Soubise (NPA-Revolutionary).
What are the Central Issues?
The campaign’s early stages have been dominated by criticism of Barseghian’s performance. Catherine Trautmann has pointed to “truncated consultations” and the “obvious failure” of the North Tram project. Jean-Philippe Vetter has accused the mayor of “catastrophic budgetary management,” claiming the city’s debt has doubled during her term. Barseghian has faced accusations of “dogmatism” and “lack of empathy.”
Beyond critiques of the current administration, candidates are proposing diverse solutions. Pierre Jakubowicz suggests creating ten district mayors to decentralize public action. Catherine Trautmann advocates for an annual citizen vote. Jean-Philippe Vetter and Virginie Joron want to reinstate a 2019 decree against aggressive begging, which was removed by the current majority. Florian Kobryn proposes extending free public transport to those under 25, currently available to those under 18.
Where Do the Polls Stand?
What are the current projections for the Strasbourg mayoral election? A recent opinion study, conducted by Elabe between November 24 and December 2 and relayed by BFM TV, indicates an open race. Catherine Trautmann currently leads with 29% of the vote, with Jeanne Barseghian and Jean-Philippe Vetter tied at 16%. Florian Kobryn, Virginie Joron and Pierre Jakubowicz are polling between 10 and 12%, suggesting up to six candidates could reach the second round.
Despite these projections, Barseghian has expressed skepticism about the polls, citing past experiences where they underestimated her support. She recalls winning the first round of the previous election by a significant margin and ultimately securing over 41% of the vote in the second round, defeating Alain Fontanel and Catherine Trautmann. The question now is whether she can replicate that success.
Worth a look
