This Monday, the candidates of the Republican alternative have left to stay. Behind this choice, 2026 is already beginning to be written.
“We are the kingmakers, we are going to be in high demand.” The scene is a little incongruous. On Sunday evening, while the results are not yet known, Benjamin Battistini, substitute for Modem candidate Marie-Ève Tayot, passes in front of the Jean-Pierre-Timbaud room, where the Insoumis are gathered. The discussion begins.
“It’s always important to talk to each other,” jokes elected official LR Limougeaud. How can we prove him wrong, when the RN could win one or even two constituencies in Haute-Vienne?
“If we withdraw, it’s the RN”
This political situation seriously raises the question of maintaining the Republican Alternative candidates, who came in third position, in the three constituencies.
“Are you talking seriously or are you being humorous,” asks Gilles Toulza, candidate in the north of the Department, in reference to Jacques Chirac, during his campaign for the 1995 presidential election? Of course I hold on. 15,000 voters trusted me and they want neither the RN nor the LFI. »
Her colleague from the 1st constituency, Isabelle Négrier, gave the same answer, minus the historical reference. “I am still in the same frame of mind,” explains the deputy mayor of Panazol. “We are still in a strategy of defending republican values.” The elected official therefore did not hear Damien Maudet’s call on Sunday evening. “Will Guillaume Guérin and his candidates be able to look at the veterans of Mont Gargan if they elect the RN?”
After the first round of legislative elections in Haute-Vienne, the New Popular Front between relief and concern
This possibility is especially very significant in the second constituency, where the RN came in first by 19 votes ahead of the socialist Stéphane Delautrette. Contrary to the assurance of her colleagues, Marie-Ève Tayot chose to “take the time to think,” she explains. On the Modem, two lines coexist: withdrawal or maintenance. “The decision must be consistent with our local alliances and my background,” explains the Limougea elected official, victim of insults since Sunday evening.
What are the consequences of possible maintenance?
Gabriel Attal’s speech from Matignon put pressure on local elected officials, who could find themselves, temporarily at least, going against the grain of history.
But in Haute-Vienne, it is not Gabriel Attal who decides, but Guillaume Guérin. “For the moment, the three are holding together,” explains the president of Limoges Métropole, while the deadline for submitting applications is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. At the Modem, the situation does not pose too many difficulties.
“There are local circumstances which can lead us, not to deviate, but to adjust national positions,” explains Vincent Jalby, first Modem deputy to the mayor of Limoges.
Paradoxically, the retention of Republican Alternative candidates does not only offer disadvantages to the left. In Panazol, where Isabelle Négrier won, mayor Fabien Doucet wants to warn the left. “If we withdraw, it’s the RN that passes. »
It’s a bit the same thing in the third constituency, but the small gap between Manon Meunier and the RN does not constitute a sufficient guarantee to prevent a transfer of votes, particularly in the agricultural sector, from giving victory. to Albin Freychet.
In the south of the Department, Stéphane Delautrette could also benefit from postponements, even if the Modem candidate remains.
Limoges 2026 ?Left-wing candidates are not sure they will benefit from the withdrawal of their Republican opponents
Behind these positions, the writing of the scenario for the 2026 municipal elections has already begun and the objective for the central bloc is to display its unity and coherence. It is a war of position that is being played out.
In Limoges, the left gathered more than 20,000 votes, including more than 16,000 for the rebellious candidates, which offers Guillaume Guérin significant opportunities for division among his adversaries.
Ten years after the election of Émile Roger Lombertie, has Limoges become a right-wing city?
Nevertheless, the far-right bloc (RN + Debout la France) brings together 14,000 votes, or a hundred more than the central space. The question arises as to who will phagocytose the other.
After playing the triangle in the legislative elections, will the right hear the tocsin or the trumpets of fame?
In Haute-Vienne, where three three-way races are looming, the retention of candidates from the right raises questions
Sebastien Dubois
