Bordeaux’s Right and Center Opposition in Disarray Ahead of 2026 Municipal Elections
The political landscape in Bordeaux is experiencing significant turbulence as the right and center opposition struggles to coalesce ahead of the March 2026 municipal elections. The sudden passing of Nicolas Florian in January has triggered a flurry of candidacies, exacerbating existing divisions and hindering the formation of a unified front to challenge incumbent Mayor Pierre Hurmic.
Multiple individuals have emerged as potential contenders to lead the opposition, creating a fragmented and competitive environment. Pierre-De-Gaétan de Njikam was the first to break away from the Bordeaux Ensemble group, declaring his "resolute candidacy" in mid-March. Alexandra Siarri, still a member of Bordeaux Ensemble at the time, followed suit by announcing her "candidacy to the candidacy" in late April. Siarri has since established her own movement, Alliance bordelaise, and is actively building her campaign infrastructure, including a campaign director and a fundraising association. "I am in campaign mode. There are groups working, and I am positioning myself to be a candidate when the time comes," she stated.
The candidacy of Nathalie Delattre, a senator, Minister of Tourism, and the president of Bordeaux Ensemble, adds further complexity to the situation. Delattre is widely considered the favorite within the group. However, Siarri challenges this assumption, asserting that the group should not dictate the selection process and that the electoral demographics of Bordeaux have shifted.
The proliferation of candidacies within Bordeaux Ensemble has caused considerable frustration within the group. One source described the situation as a "mess," acknowledging that while discussions have not been completely abandoned, the internal strife is palpable. The candidates’ ambition to distinguish themselves has led to tensions that threaten to solidify into irreconcilable divisions. Observers within the group recognize that disunity all but guarantees Pierre Hurmic’s reelection, yet each candidate appears determined to pursue their individual path.
Despite the prevailing discord, there are indications that some factions recognize the necessity of unity. Fabien Robert, representing Nathalie Delattre, emphasizes that efforts to find common ground are ongoing, and that there is no resignation to division. Similarly, Deputy Thomas Cazenave asserts that discussions are continuing and calls for unity with all his strength. Alexandra Siarri, while steadfast in her own candidacy, acknowledges that a plurality of voices can foster a high-level debate that transcends outdated approaches.
Behind the scenes, there are tentative plans to organize a public event in early July aimed at bringing together representatives from all factions within the opposition. However, the realization of this event remains uncertain. The current state of affairs can be described as an audition process, where potential candidates vie for the role of conductor to harmonize the opposition’s efforts. Whether this cacophony is a necessary prelude to the emergence of a unifying leader remains to be seen.
Fabien Robert attempts to reassure observers, stating that the expressed ambitions are expected and essential for the candidates to be credible when advocating for unity. He anticipates that the situation will stabilize by autumn, noting that official candidate registrations are not due until February.
However, a definitive method for selecting a single candidate from the numerous contenders has yet to be established. Prior to his death, Nicolas Florian and Thomas Cazenave reportedly agreed to use polling data to determine the lead candidate for a united front. Recent Ifop poll results, which place Cazenave three points ahead of Delattre in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup against Pierre Hurmic, have not resolved the issue. In fact, the poll numbers serve as a warning sign: both Cazenave and Delattre, when facing Hurmic (35%) individually and without unity, are projected to lose (Cazenave at 33%, Delattre at 29%).
Furthermore, the poll does not account for the candidacies of Alexandra Siarri and Pierre-De-Gaétan Njikam, nor does it factor in the expected entry of economist Philippe Dessertine into the race before summer. One member of Pierre Hurmic’s team interpreted the poll as a reflection of a right-wing primary rather than a municipal election campaign.
Adding another layer of complexity, the Rassemblement National (RN) has entered the fray with a new candidate for Bordeaux: European Deputy Julie Rechagneux. With greater name recognition than her predecessor, Bruno Paluteau (who received 10% of intended votes in the recent Ifop poll), Rechagneux has the potential to surprise and gain a group within the municipal council. The lack of unity within the opposition increases this possibility, as it may dissuade voters seeking an alternative to Pierre Hurmic from strategically casting their ballots.
The path to unifying the right and center opposition in Bordeaux is fraught with challenges. The candidates must overcome personal ambitions and reconcile conflicting visions to present a credible and viable alternative to the incumbent mayor. Failure to do so will likely result in a continuation of the current political landscape and a missed opportunity for change in the city. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the opposition can find a way to unite and mount a serious challenge in the 2026 municipal elections. The ability to move beyond internal divisions and present a cohesive platform will be paramount to their success.
