Angers, France – As France prepares for municipal elections in 2026, the Rassemblement National (RN), led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, is strategically focusing its efforts on select cities. Aurore Lahondès, the RN candidate for Angers, outlines a targeted campaign approach, prioritizing local concerns and aiming to broaden the party’s appeal beyond its core base. This strategy, detailed in a recent interview, reveals a nuanced approach to electoral politics, balancing national momentum with localized engagement. The upcoming elections are being closely watched as a bellwether for the RN’s growing influence across France.
Lahondès, a 28-year-old customer service representative, has become a familiar face in Maine-et-Loire politics, having contested various elections since 2017, including municipal, departmental, regional, legislative, and European elections. Her repeated candidacies demonstrate a commitment to representing the region and a willingness to engage in the electoral process at multiple levels. This experience, she suggests, has prepared her to lead the RN’s campaign in Angers, a city with a diverse population and a complex political landscape.
Targeted Campaign Strategy in Maine-et-Loire
The RN’s strategy for the 2026 municipal elections in Maine-et-Loire centers on presenting candidates in only two key locations: Angers and Saumur. According to Lahondès, this focused approach is a deliberate choice, acknowledging the logistical challenges of fielding lists in numerous communes, particularly those with complex administrative structures. “There will only be two lists, in Angers and Saumur,” she stated. “There were many hesitations in many communes. In the new communes, where you need a huge number of co-candidates, we had to deliver up in the face of the scale of the task.” This decision reflects a pragmatic assessment of the party’s resources and a desire to concentrate efforts where they believe they have the greatest chance of success.
The formation of the RN’s list in Angers this year appears to have been smoother than in 2020, when it was finalized at the last minute. Lahondès attributes this to improved organization and a more effective recruitment process. “Yes. We even submitted it earlier, without waiting for the last moment. The essential part of the list has been renewed. We found the right people. It was a little easier than six years ago.” This suggests a growing level of organizational maturity within the RN in the region, allowing for more proactive campaign planning.
Broadening the Base: Beyond Party Lines
While the RN is known for its core base of supporters, Lahondès emphasizes the importance of attracting voters who may not be formally affiliated with the party. She notes that approximately half of the candidates on her list are not official RN members, but rather individuals who share the party’s values and vision for Angers. “No. A fine half of the co-candidates are not members. These are people who share our ideas. The list represents the entirety of the city. Neighborhoods, which feel a little less heard, thus have visibility and the right to speak.” This inclusive approach aims to broaden the party’s appeal and demonstrate its commitment to representing the diverse interests of the Angers community.
Interestingly, Lahondès also revealed that her list includes individuals from the Union for Republicanism (UDR), the party formerly associated with Éric Ciotti. This cross-party collaboration highlights a willingness to forge alliances with other right-leaning political groups, potentially expanding the RN’s reach and influence. The UDR’s involvement suggests a shared alignment on certain policy issues and a common desire to challenge the established political order.
Economic Proposals and Campaign Visibility
A key plank of Lahondès’s campaign platform is a commitment to reducing the property tax (taxe foncière). She pledged to lower the tax by 8% in the first year and 4.5% in the second year, a move designed to appeal to homeowners and alleviate financial burdens on residents. This economic proposal aligns with the RN’s broader focus on reducing taxes and promoting economic security for French citizens.
Nous baisserons la taxe foncière, de 8 % la première année et de 4,5 % la deuxième année
However, Lahondès acknowledges a challenge in maintaining high campaign visibility, particularly given her concurrent function commitments. She admits that her absence from public events can hinder mobilization efforts among party activists. “It’s true that if I’m not on an action, the activists have difficulty mobilizing. It’s a bit of a shame. And as I also work alongside…” This highlights the practical difficulties faced by candidates who balance political aspirations with professional obligations. She also suggests that the national momentum generated by RN leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella may be sufficient to carry the campaign forward, but recognizes the importance of local engagement to maximize the party’s chances of success.
The municipal elections in Angers are taking place against a backdrop of broader political uncertainty in France. Christophe Béchu, the current mayor of Angers, recently expressed caution about assuming victory, stating, “We don’t have a ballot in the urns in advance,” according to Ouest-France. This statement underscores the competitive nature of the upcoming elections and the potential for an upset.
The National Context and Local Implications
The RN’s performance in the municipal elections will be closely scrutinized as a gauge of its national appeal and its ability to translate popular support into electoral victories at the local level. The party has been steadily gaining ground in recent years, fueled by concerns about immigration, economic inequality, and national identity. The leadership of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella has played a crucial role in shaping the party’s message and attracting a broader base of voters.
However, the RN still faces significant challenges, including overcoming historical perceptions and addressing concerns about its policies. The party’s success in Angers will depend on its ability to effectively communicate its message, mobilize its supporters, and appeal to voters who may be undecided or skeptical. The inclusion of non-RN members on Lahondès’s list is a strategic move to broaden the party’s appeal and demonstrate its commitment to representing the diverse interests of the Angers community.
The upcoming elections in Angers are part of a larger trend of political realignment in France, as traditional political parties struggle to adapt to changing demographics and evolving voter preferences. The RN’s rise reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for alternative political solutions. The outcome of the elections will have significant implications for the future of French politics and the direction of the country.
The next key date to watch is the official filing deadline for candidate lists, which will provide a clearer picture of the competitive landscape in Angers. Following the filing deadline, the campaign will intensify, with candidates engaging in public debates, rallies, and door-to-door canvassing. The results of the municipal elections are expected in the spring of 2026 and will be closely analyzed by political observers across France and beyond.
What are your thoughts on the RN’s strategy for the upcoming municipal elections? Share your comments below and let us know what issues are most important to you in Angers.