For some, it's far away. For the others, it's tomorrow. In any case, the municipal elections of March 2026 are starting to run through the minds of both citizens and elected officials in Est-Var.
With two political leaders at the heart of the discussions: departmental councilor Guillaume Decard (LR) and deputy Julie Lechanteux (RN).
The deputy mayor of Saint-Raphaël would prepare the ground for a candidacy in Puget-sur-Argens when the Fréjusienne would covet the town hall of Roquebrune. Facing which opponents? With what supports and what labels?
Questions arise and, in the absence of definitive answers, several protagonists express themselves, with or without circumspection, on their position… at the moment.
Guillaume Decard: “I will reserve my answer for the Pugétois”
He is not surprised to be asked the question but tempers all the discussions around his candidacy for the municipal elections in Puget-sur-Argens.
“What if I occupy the land? Yes, but within the framework of my mandates as community advisor, notably delegate for agriculture, and president of Var Tourisme. I'm in the action and I leave people to their comments. Let some people focus on exercising their mandate! But I like the expression: “Whether people talk about you good or bad, it doesn't matter, the main thing is that people talk about you.” The municipal elections are in a year and a half. Talking about it here and now is premature.”.
However (with a little emphasis), Guillaume Decard does not seem to dismiss any possibility of candidacy out of hand. “If this is the case, I will reserve my answer for the Pugétois”.
ANDlanguage elements or response elements? The future – undoubtedly near – will tell us.
Martine Arenas (departmental majority): “I think I am legitimate”
The name of the departmental councilor and second deputy mayor of Puget, Martine Arenas, has been circulating for some time with a view to running for municipal office.
“I have not completed my mandate as departmental advisor and I will support Paul Boudoube until the end of his action in the interest of those administered. We still have a lot to do.”.
However, the community advisor does not close the door: “For me, who has been here for a long time, and with everything I have done, Puget is obvious! If I am a candidate? I think I am legitimate and many Pugétois are pushing me to introduce myself. So I never ruled out a candidacy. And it is not the ego of being or not being. The well-being of Pugétois is the most important”.
His comment on a possible ambition of Guillaume Decard is more piquant: “We meet regularly, sometimes next to each other, in our respective bodies (Departmental Council and Agglomeration Editor’s note). Does that make us friends? Apparently not. I learned of his candidacy from the opposition. He does what he wants but he has no connection with the town, other than a family connection. He always made fun of Puget traditions. But I trust the Pugétois…”
Noël Azzopardi: “People attribute intentions to me but…”
Is the majority municipal councilor in Puget, Noël Azzopardi, also in the starting blocks? Caution.
“I am in a state of mind to work for my city. People give me intentions but it is not in my career plan. My decision has not been made, everything can change and it is too early to say. I especially wonder about the future of Puget and I don't believe that a parachute drop for the next municipal elections will work.”.
Puget: “A City to Conquer”
Paul Boudoube, mayor since 2008: “Since I'm no longer up for it, there are people behind. Puget is an attractive, financially healthy municipality with urban heritage and land. It is a town hall that is tempting and a City to conquer. Guillaume Decard candidate? Yes I am aware but, for the moment, I do not support anyone”.
Paul Boudoube warns all the same: “The mayor of Puget must not be a political mayor. You have to devote yourself entirely to your city and be close to the residents.”.
Another factor to be taken into consideration by future candidates: the exponential scores of the RN in this municipality (more than 59% in the first round for Julie Lechanteux during the last legislative elections…). Will an RN list see the light of day? Facing Guillaume Decard if he officially launches?
Julie Lechanteux: “I wonder…”
The RN deputy of the 5e constituency in the countryside in Roquebrune-sur-Argens? “For the moment, I am campaigning in the seven municipalities of my constituency. And I remind you that there could very well be new legislative elections in 2025. I occupy the field as an MP. As for a possible candidacy for Roquebrune, perhaps, I wonder… My decision has not yet been made but it has escaped no one's notice that the mayor, Jean Cayron, is a little worried.. It is very criticized and divisive. Besides, he is the only one of the seven mayors with whom I cannot work in the general interest.”.
The mayor of Roquebrune lets us know that he has heard of Julie Lechanteux's intentions and simply says: “He who hunts many hares catches none.”.
David Rachline: “I don’t see why I’m not a candidate”
He does not deny having heard of a candidacy from Guillaume Decard. The mayor of Fréjus, David Rachline, says that he “appreciate” much the latter “for his work in the Department and the Agglomeration”.
So as not to put obstacles in his way in Puget-sur-Argens with an RN candidate? “It is too early to say which RN candidate will run in this town and if there will be one. It is absolutely not decided, there will be discussions in the near future, we are a hierarchical political movement with an investiture commission. Besides, if Guillaume Decard is up for it, I wouldn't be able to say whether it's with a political list or a broad rally list.”.
As for his desire, or not, to be a candidate for his own succession to the town hall of Fréjus*, David Rachline gives some ideas for interpretation…
“I will respond in due time. Fréjus remains my priority, our teamwork is not finished with a certain number of important works and projects. Honestly, I don't see why I wouldn't be a candidate.”.
“Indication at home”, therefore, as on TV in Questions for a champion…
Is the path clear for Frédéric Masquelier?
Frédéric Masquelier sent us this laconic response: “As mayor of Saint-Raphaël, I have no comment to make on the 2026 municipal elections concerning the other municipalities in the agglomeration. As president of Estérel-Côte d'Azur agglomeration, I am committed to guaranteeing the harmonious functioning of the institution and I do not wish to comment on the municipal elections.”. Either.
We can legitimately think that in his capacity as president of the agglomeration and departmental secretary LR, Frédéric Masquelier must – at least – have a say in the casting of the next major election in Est-Var…
Furthermore, and the mayor of Saint-Raphaël perhaps knows it, but if he is indeed a candidate for his own succession**, the probability is strong (the reason remains to be known) that he will not find a competitor RN in front of him…
A significant “data” gleaned from one of the leaders of the Var National Rally who assures: “We will not put an RN list against Masquelier”.
*Opposition municipal councilor Emmanuel Bonnemain (Various right; “Our party is Fréjus”) is already campaigning for the next municipal elections in the Roman city.
**What he almost did again a month ago on the set of the show “Var Politiques” on BFM.
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