Lozère Department Elects New Head with Right-Wing Support
Mende, France – August 10, 2024 – Laurent Suau, a former spokesman for Emmanuel Macron, was elected as the new president of the Lozère department in southern France on Friday. This unexpected victory came about thanks to the support of the right-wing, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of this rural region.
Suau, a former vice president of the department, had previously been a staunch supporter of the outgoing president, Sophie Pantel, a socialist. However, tensions arose between them in recent months, leading to Suau’s decision to run against her in the departmental elections.
“It is a new balance, which should also be able to be used at the national level,” Suau told AFP, hinting at potential future political aspirations.
The election results were a blow to the outgoing government, which had held power in Lozère since 2015. Suau’s victory is seen as a sign of the growing popularity of the right-wing in France, particularly in rural areas.
Relations between Suau and Pantel have become strained in the aftermath of the election. Pantel accused Suau of being a ”rebel” and expressed her belief that he would be ”their worst nightmare.”