After ten years at the head of the departmental federation of the French Communist Party (PCF) in Gard, Vincent Bouget decided to hand over the reins. Behind this decision, a desire to devote himself to his local mandates. In the background? The 2026 municipal elections…
You are therefore leaving your position as departmental secretary of the PCF. Why this decision?
I have in fact asked to leave the federal secretariat, and next week, October 11, the departmental congress will be held which will elect a new leadership. I have now been in this position for ten years, a mandate as long as it is rewarding, but very demanding. Since I was elected to the city of Nîmes and to the Departmental Council, my schedule has been busy, and I wish to continue to practice my profession (History teacher Editor’s note). It is therefore time to pass the baton, especially in a demanding political context and after a series of important elections.
There remains much to do for the PCF in the department, particularly on the battle of ideas, the fight against the rise of the extreme right, and reorganization to be closer to the populations. All this requires time and availability, and I no longer had enough. I am not leaving the party, but I am going to concentrate more on my local mandates, in the City and in the Department.
You are an opposition municipal councilor. Will this newfound time be devoted to the municipal elections of 2026?
It is certain that the municipal elections are a major issue, not only for the inhabitants, but also for the establishment of the PCF in the Gard. So yes, these elections will be an important milestone. It’s certainly an issue, but an issue that is not just personal! My objective remains to serve my local mandates and to work to anchor the party in the department.
Who will succeed you as departmental secretary of the PCF?
I prefer not to comment on this! I want to respect the sovereignty of the communists and our internal statutes. A nominations committee has been meeting for several weeks to propose a candidate for my succession. I gave my opinion to this commission, but it is at the departmental congress, on October 11, that the communists will elect my successor.
How would you characterize the health of the PCF in Gard today?
Even if the period is sometimes difficult, the Gard federation remains one of the most important at the national level, and the most important in the Occitanie region. Beyond the national results, which can sometimes be complicated, we have strong political activity and notable influence, with nearly 900 contributors. We would like to be more present, but we are undoubtedly a political force that counts, with many elected officials.
On October 1 in Nîmes, around a thousand people were in the street. Is this the sign of a left that is still mobilized, beyond simple fed up?
Absolutely, and this was also seen during the last legislative elections, where participation was very high. There was a real awareness. Of course, many people are disappointed with the current political situation, but they do not want to give up the fight. This mobilization remains to be strengthened, because it is not yet in the majority, but there is a dynamic to continue and develop. We still have work ahead of us.
Comments collected by Adrien Valette.
