Arcis-sur-Aube, France – A small French town’s mayoral election has gone viral, not for policy debates or local issues, but for the names of two of its leading candidates: Charles Hittler and Antoine Renault-Zielenski. The unlikely pairing has drawn international attention, sparking a mix of disbelief, humor, and, for some, discomfort, as residents prepare to head to the polls for the second round of voting on March 22nd. The unusual French mayoral race has become a global talking point, highlighting the complexities of names and history.
Charles Hittler, the incumbent mayor, received 38% of the vote in the first round on March 15th, securing 411 votes, according to results reported by BFMTV. He was followed by Annie Sourcat with 32% (350 votes) and Renault-Zielenski with 30% (326 votes). None of the candidates achieved a majority, necessitating a runoff between the top three contenders. Hittler, a retired laboratory head, says he’s long been accustomed to jokes about his surname, but the recent surge in attention is unprecedented. “All my life I’ve had the occasional joke made about my name,” he told the BBC. “Sometimes people drew moustaches on my election posters. It was never a big deal. But now it’s out of control. I’ve seen online articles saying ‘37% of the people of Arcis are Hitlerites!’. My wife is in tears.”
A Family Name and a Historical Legacy
Hittler’s family history explains the unusual name. His ancestors originated from northern Alsace, a region bordering Germany, and his father was taken to Germany as forced labor during World War II. After returning home, he met Hittler’s mother. Despite suggestions to change the name, the family decided against it in 1949, citing the administrative and financial burden. “If I kept my name, it’s to show that with a name like that, not everyone is an idiot! It all depends on what you do with it,” Hittler explained to BFM. The name is becoming increasingly rare, as his cousins in Alsace all had daughters, and even his own son pronounces it “Hit-lay” to avoid embarrassment. His grandchildren have reportedly taken their mother’s names.
The Ukrainian Connection
Adding another layer to the story is Antoine Renault-Zielenski, Hittler’s rival. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, he has frequently been asked if he is related to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He consistently clarifies that the spelling of his surname – “Zielenski” with an ‘i’ – is Polish, while Zelenskyy’s is Ukrainian, with a ‘y’. “I always reply, no, because the ending Zielenski with an i is Polish, unlike the y in Zelenskyy, which is Ukrainian,” he told BFM. Renault-Zielenski, a customs inspector, acknowledged the humor in the situation, stating, “I understand why people find it funny. Personally, it doesn’t make me laugh, but it doesn’t offend me either.”
Viral Attention and Local Concerns
The attention has been overwhelming for the small town of Arcis-sur-Aube, which has a population of 2,785. Both candidates expressed frustration that the focus has shifted away from local issues and policies. “If people were talking about the town and our policies, that would be one thing. But all they’re interested in is our names,” Hittler lamented. Renault-Zielenski echoed this sentiment, saying he would “prefer people talked about the town for other reasons, but at least thousands of people are now hearing about the area.” He noted that the initial attention began on X (formerly Twitter), quickly spreading online.
What’s at Stake for Arcis-sur-Aube?
Beyond the unusual names, the election represents a choice for the future of Arcis-sur-Aube. Hittler’s list, “Agissons ensemble pour Arcis” (Let’s Act Together for Arcis), is positioned center-right, aligning with the Horizons party of Édouard Philippe. Renault-Zielenski’s list, “Arcis-sur-Aube passionnément” (Arcis-sur-Aube Passionately), is competing for votes alongside Annie Sourcat’s “Construisons l’avenir pour Arcis” (Let’s Build the Future for Arcis). The outcome of the second round on March 22nd will determine who will lead the town for the next term.
The residents of Arcis-sur-Aube will decide whether the town’s next chapter will be led by a mayor whose name carries the weight of history, or by one of his challengers. The election serves as a reminder that even in the most local of contests, the past can unexpectedly intrude on the present. Official results and further updates on the election can be found on the BFMTV website.
What do you consider about this unusual election? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
