The political landscape of the right in Dijon is beginning to become clearer in view of the municipal elections of March 2026. This Tuesday, December 17, 2024, an initiative called the “ Dijon spring » appeared on the political scene. To present this project, the initiators chose a symbolic location, the Hôtel de Ville brasserie, located opposite the Dijon town hall.
François-Xavier Dugourd, accompanied by Axel Sibert, Clémentine Barbier, Henri-Bénigne de Vregille, Laurent Bourguignat, Bruno David and Céline Renaud, presented the ambitions of “ Dijon spring ». « We want to launch the Dijon Spring. What does this mean? This is to open the debate in view of the municipal elections of 2026. The people of Dijon must decide in March 2026 on a project carried out by a team and a leader who will embody this project “, he explained. The tone is set: the Dijon right starts the machine to propose an ambitious and constructed alternative.
A citizen consultation at the heart of the initiative
To develop a solid project, the “ Dijon spring » decided to launch a broad citizen consultation. A questionnaire, available online or in printed version until February 28, 2025allows the people of Dijon to express themselves about their expectations and priorities. This consultation is supplemented by citizen meetings in the nine districts of Dijon from January.
Bruno David (LR), opposition municipal councilor, explains that this approach aims to “ speak as freely as possible “. The questionnaire is divided into two levels: a first to quickly identify three satisfactions, three negative elements and a priority project, and a second level to delve deeper into the themes of mobility, housing, culture, sport, employment, attractiveness and social action. According to the initiators, this well-designed consultation is essential for building a participatory project.
An ambitious project to breathe “new life”
François-Xavier Dugourd underlines the importance of political change after 25 years of management by the current municipal team. “Dijon needs a new lease of life, to change era “, he affirms with conviction. The objective is clear: to offer a credible and innovative alternative capable of competing with the outgoing majority. “ There is a new page to write. It must bring together the new generations and the oldest », he adds.
But who will be at the head of this initiative? This decision will be taken in the second half of 2025. François-Xavier Dugourd, although involved, specifies: “ It’s not my candidacy that we’re launching this evening. What matters is to serve Dijon as best as possible tomorrow ».
An open and non-partisan approach
The « Dijon spring » aims to be open and non-partisan. “ The objective is to bring together as much good will as possible, including members of the current majority », confides François-Xavier Dugourd. He also acknowledges discussions with personalities from the center.
Another question arises: what will be the role of Emmanuel Bichot, already a candidate via his movement “ Act for Dijon”? Although informed of the initiative, he could not be reached to react. “The door is open if he wants to participate in the consultation », assured François-Xavier Dugourd, recognizing the work carried out by Bichot to the municipal council.
A plural team to carry out the project
The initiative is supported by seven elected officials, including Clémentine Barbier (SE), Dugourd’s partner on the departmental council in the canton of Dijon 1, and five Dijon municipal councilors. Three belong to the opposition group “Dijon differently” – Laurent Bourguignat (LR-Libres!), Céline Renaud (Nouvelle Énergie) and Henri-Bénigne de Vregille (Horizons) – while two, Axel Sibert and Bruno David, are independent .
The team hopes to attract other political figures and enthuse right-wing voters. The dynamic is launched, it remains to be seen whether it will transform into a real “ winning machine » for the municipal elections of 2026. Time will tell us.
To participate in this major consultation, set up as part of Printemps Dijonnais, it’s very simple: click on the image of the questionnaire below to be redirected to the online questionnaire.
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