the essential
Soundly beaten in the first round of the legislative elections, the former mayor of Villeneuve-sur-Lot has already left the 3rd constituency. He does not rule out returning there. For the municipal elections in 2026?
A few hours after the rout, Jérôme Cahuzac is still trying this Monday to understand the reasons for an electoral slap. “We immersed ourselves in an analysis of the results of the RPR, the UMP and LR in recent decades. They have never achieved such a score. Certainly Guillaume Lepers ran a very good campaign. I sincerely believe so,” says the now ex-candidate of the Republican left.
He made up his mind
On Sunday, as the day went on, disappointment marked his face. With his cell phone constantly to his ear, walking back and forth nervously in front of his office, Jérôme Cahuzac came to terms with it early in the evening. “This is not going to happen,” he whispered to his close guard. He then called the journalists together before saying on camera: “Mrs. Cousin is well ahead. Guillaume Lepers is second. So it is he who will have the duty and the honor of facing the National Rally. As we had committed, I am therefore withdrawing in favor of the candidate best placed to beat the RN. The campaign was difficult. Despite all our efforts, we were unable to convince. I acknowledge this because in a democracy, the people are always right.”
The epilogue of a supersonic campaign saw Jérôme Cahuzac crisscross the constituency, displaying interesting fillings during his meetings and public gatherings. Constantly with him, Sophie Gargowitsch displayed overflowing dynamism. To the point of believing it day by day. “We feel that something is happening. We can count on a great many supporters,” he assures, not a little proud, during one of his outings.
A campaign also and above all marked by the media hype of his candidacy. And a debate that quickly punctuated the campaign: can he run with his heavy criminal past? Jérôme Cahuzac repeated it without anyone wanting to hear it: “I have paid my debt. I am here to rebuild.” These repeated questions from journalists made him lose his temper a few times. Before regaining his composure, focus on his campaign.
In the end, he didn’t manage to convince. That’s an understatement. He even finished just off the podium. Signifying the end of his adventure in Lot-et-Garonne. He was already on the train on Monday morning. “I’m going to be able to spend time with my loved ones, in Corsica or elsewhere. I’m not going to be bored,” enthuses Jérôme Cahuzac.
End of career?
Does this heavy defeat and this future with his family mean the end of his political career? “As long as there is life, there is life,” he breathes, with a wry smile. Enough to imagine seeing him return to Villeneuve-sur-Lot in 2026 for the municipal elections to play the thorn in the side of Guillaume Lepers? “It is much too early to mention this possibility,” he snaps. A mischievous look.
