2024-11-20 05:00:00
A sort of ”great fear” grips local elected officials, almost everywhere in the country. What if the number of candidates drops in the 2026 municipal elections? In September, the president of the Association of Small French Towns, the mayor (Socialist Party) of Barentin (Seine-Maritime), Christophe Bouillon, put his foot down: “We cannot imagine that elected officials will collapse. Attention! If we are not careful, the risk is great, very great indeed, that a failure of the mayors will lead to a democratic collapse and even a territorial blackout. »
In this context, statistics on mayoral resignations are carefully examined. Because they give an imperfect indication of the mood of the troops. Since the beginning of the mandate of the mayors elected during the municipal elections of June 2020, “2,400 mayors have resigned and 57,000 city councilors are vacant”the Minister of Partnership with the Territories, Catherine Vautrin, specified on Monday 18 November Le Figaro. A year and a half earlier, the government had cited the figure of 1,293 resignations. According to Vautrin, approximately 1,100 mayors would therefore have left their roles between April 2023 and October 2024.
A surprising worsening, even if there is often a peak in the medium term. The acceleration was measured by Martial Foucault, professor at Sciences Po Paris, who has worked extensively on the topic of local elected officials. During the 2008-2014 mandate, he recalls, the average number of resignations was 150 per year; in 2014-2020 there were 250 per year; from 2020 to 2023 there were 450 per year. For its part, Ms. Vautrin’s office provides these averages: 485 annual resignations compared to the previous mandate; 529 since 2020.
Cry from the heart
These elements, taken up by the National Directory of elected representatives (RNE), must however be taken with a grain of salt, as the Interior Ministry itself specifies. Indeed, the definition of the reasons for resignation taken into consideration in the RNE has evolved, their number has increased from six to eleven in 2021, and the details that the prefectures provide in the RNE also vary. Long-term comparisons are therefore risky.
On the other hand, the testimonies leave little doubt about the fear of a “democratic collapse”. At the congress of the Association of Mayors of France (AMF), which takes place in Paris from 19 to 21 November, Jean-Luc Lentier, mayor (various on the left) of Vézac (Cantal), challenged Catherine Vautrin: “We’re fed uphe said. Madam Minister, I think that in two years there will be many fewer mayors because we cannot bear more…”
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How can community engagement initiatives improve the situation in local governance before the 2026 elections?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Martial Foucault, Expert on Local Governance
Editor (E): Good morning, Martial. We’re here to discuss a pressing issue affecting local governance in France, particularly the looming crisis of municipal elections in 2026. It’s clear that there’s a significant rise in mayoral resignations—over 2,400 since 2020. What do you think is driving this phenomenon?
Martial Foucault (MF): Good morning, and thank you for having me. The surge in resignations can be attributed to several interlinked factors. Firstly, the increased administrative burdens and challenges that mayors face today are unprecedented. These local leaders are expected to manage more significant social issues, often without adequate support or resources. The pressure can lead to burnout, prompting many to step down.
E: That’s interesting. I read that the president of the Association of Small French Towns expressed a profound concern over what he termed a potential “democratic collapse.” How serious do you think this fear is?
MF: It’s a legitimate concern. The absence of candidates for the upcoming elections could threaten democracy at the local level. When mayors resign en masse, it creates a vacuum that can fracture local governance, leading to a situation where essential services may fail. The democratic process relies on active participation, and if the current trend continues, we could see significant gaps in local representation and public service.
E: You mentioned the challenges local officials face. How do you think community engagement initiatives could help alleviate some of these pressures?
MF: This is crucial. Increasing community engagement not only informs citizens about local issues but can also empower them to participate actively in governance. Initiatives such as town hall meetings or local advisory boards can encourage dialogue between citizens and their elected officials, creating a shared sense of responsibility and support. When communities feel invested in their leadership, it can mitigate some of the isolation that mayors often feel.
E: Statistics show that resignations have increased from an average of 150 per year during the 2008-2014 mandate to an alarming average of 450 per year recently. Are there specific trends or political factors you’ve observed that could explain this rise?
MF: Certainly, there’s a notable trend where public sentiment towards politics and politicians has soured. Many citizens feel disconnected from their local government, and this can contribute to the challenges mayors face. Additionally, the negative perception surrounding political roles can deter potential candidates, leading to a shortage in municipal elections. Without a fresh influx of candidates, we risk a continuing cycle of disillusionment.
E: What do you think the government should do to address this crisis before the 2026 elections?
MF: The government must start by recognizing and addressing the issues that are causing this wave of resignations. Providing better support and training for local officials, along with resources to manage their responsibilities effectively, is critical. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at fostering civic engagement and encouraging new candidates to step forward can help rebuild trust in local governance.
E: It sounds like the future of local governance in France hinges not only on addressing immediate concerns but also on fostering a long-term cultural shift in civic engagement. Thank you, Martial, for sharing your insights on this vital topic.
MF: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope we can see positive change ahead.