Less than two years before the municipal elections, the personalities of the Forcalquier left are beginning to get into battle order. Former mayor Gérard Avril addressed his potential supporters.
He is testing the waters. Even if it means making those who are on the far left of the Forcalquier political spectrum jump. Gérard Avril, the former mayor of Forcalquier, has informed a few former comrades from the municipality that he might be a factor in the 2026 municipal elections.
In an email sent to potential supporters, which BFM DICI was able to obtain, the socialist does not hide his ambitions. “I want to be useful and make my contribution to Forcalquier,” writes Gérard Avril in this message.
“Nothing has been decided yet”
The former mayor, from 2017 to 2020, was even clearer a few lines further on: “I am therefore sending you this message to inform you of my intention to get involved in the next campaign for the 2026 municipal elections.”
In his email, Gérard Avril suggests creating and leading a list by setting a course and, above all, boundaries that stop before La France Insoumise.
“I have set my conditions. It will be an equal number of people from ‘Forcalquier en commun’ or their friends but not those who identify with La France Insoumise,” he warns.
An undisguised tackle on former MP Léo Walter and his supporters, in pole position to face outgoing mayor David Gehant in March 2026. This Tuesday on the phone, Gérard Avril seems more measured.
“Yes, I am thinking about it but nothing has been decided yet. Concerning Léo Walter, he has every right to come and run in Forcalquier if that is his wish,” the former mayor told BFM DICI.
He is giving an appointment in the coming weeks. According to our information, the citizen list “Forcalquier en commun” plans to officially launch the municipal offensive at the beginning of October, by holding a press conference.
“A left-wing list without LFI makes no sense”
Gérard Avril plans to participate. The former rebellious MP Léo Walter too. Contacted, he did not wish to respond to Gérard Avril’s letter. His entourage is more verbose:
“We can only beat David Gehant and his right-wing record by making a left-wing list. And a left-wing list without La France Insoumise makes no sense. Especially in Forcalquier,” assures the former MP’s team.
Deputy for works of Christophe Castaner from 2001 to 2008, Gérard Avril was then the first deputy from 2008 to 2017, still under the orders of Mayor Castaner. When the former deputy entered the government in 2017, Gérard Avril became mayor of Forcalquier until 2020.
He ultimately did not wish to run against David Gehant in the last municipal elections, thus leaving the place to Dominique Rouanet and his citizens’ list “Forcalquier en commun” which was beaten by that of the current mayor.
