Bordeaux, France – As France prepares for the 2026 municipal elections, the political landscape in Bordeaux is becoming increasingly competitive. Nordine Raymond, leading the “Faire mieux pour Bordeaux” (Better for Bordeaux) list, is campaigning on a platform of social and ecological change, despite the challenges facing the La France Insoumise (LFI) party nationally. Raymond’s efforts come after a period of shifting political control in the city, where the EELV (Europe Ecology – The Greens) party, in alliance with the PS (Socialist Party) and PCF (French Communist Party), recently ended 73 years of right-wing governance.
Raymond, a restaurateur and previous candidate for both the National Assembly in 2022 and the European Parliament in 2024, is running alongside Lucie Hemond, an experienced parliamentary assistant with a strong background in ecological issues. Their campaign aims to strengthen the left’s presence on the Bordeaux municipal council, building on the success of a 2020 citizen’s list supported by the NPA (Recent Anticapitalist Party) which secured three council seats. La France Insoumise highlighted this partnership in a recent profile of the duo.
A City in Transition: Bordeaux’s Political Climate
The current political situation in Bordeaux is marked by a degree of disillusionment with the ruling EELV/PS/PCF alliance, which is facing pressure from candidates aligned with President Macron’s Renaissance party. Pierre Hurmic of EELV became mayor in 2020, ending decades of conservative rule, but his administration has struggled to meet expectations. Raymond and Hemond are positioning themselves as a viable alternative, advocating for a “rupture sociale” (social break) with the city’s neoliberal tendencies and a focus on “ecological populaire” – an ecology that benefits all citizens. This strategy is fueled by strong showings for left-wing candidates in recent national elections: Jean-Luc Mélenchon received 29% of the vote in the 2022 presidential election, and Loïc Prud’homme was re-elected as a Member of Parliament in 2024 with 54% of the vote in a three-way contest.
The campaign is being structured around regular campaign assemblies held every three weeks, with coordinated thematic working groups developing a platform focused on public services, affordable housing, mobility, and climate action. This program is inspired by national guidelines from LFI but tailored to address the specific challenges and opportunities within Bordeaux.
Campaigning on the Ground: Connecting with Residents
Despite the national turbulence surrounding LFI, Nordine Raymond is focusing on a grassroots campaign, directly engaging with residents to understand their concerns. Sud Ouest reports that Raymond spent a recent Saturday morning campaigning at the Marché de la Place de l’Europe in the Grand-Parc neighborhood, listening to residents’ frustrations regarding a lack of local services.
Concerns raised by residents included the high cost of transportation – one resident reportedly paid 80 euros for a taxi to reach a supermarket – and the potential closure of local post offices. The impending reopening of the Grand-Parc shopping center on May 22nd was also a topic of discussion, with residents expressing anxieties about access to essential goods and services in the interim. Raymond’s campaign team, comprised of around ten volunteers, including students, is actively working to address these issues and present solutions to the community.
Navigating National Challenges
Raymond acknowledges the broader political context, recognizing the difficulties facing LFI nationally. However, he maintains that his campaign is focused on local issues and building a strong connection with the people of Bordeaux. He emphasizes the importance of a campaign “de fond” – a deep, substantive campaign – focused on addressing the everyday concerns of residents. According to reports, Raymond has stated he doesn’t perceive any aggression despite the turmoil surrounding LFI.
The Stakes for Bordeaux in 2026
The 2026 municipal elections in Bordeaux represent a crucial moment for the city’s political future. The outcome will determine whether the current EELV-led coalition can maintain its grip on power, whether Macron’s Renaissance party can gain ground, or whether the left, under the leadership of candidates like Nordine Raymond, can strengthen its position and implement a more progressive agenda. The focus on local concerns, combined with a broader vision of social and ecological transformation, could prove to be a winning formula for “Faire mieux pour Bordeaux.”
The campaign’s success will likely hinge on its ability to mobilize voters and convince them that it offers a credible alternative to the existing political establishment. The emphasis on direct engagement with residents, as demonstrated by Raymond’s presence at the Marché de la Place de l’Europe, suggests a commitment to a grassroots approach that could resonate with voters seeking a more responsive and accountable local government.
@lafranceinsoumise Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France with @nordineraymond, @luciehemond
The next key date for the Bordeaux municipal elections is the official candidate registration deadline, which is expected in February 2026. Further information about the election process and candidate lists will be available on the official website of the Bordeaux municipality. Readers interested in learning more about the campaign of Nordine Raymond and Lucie Hemond can follow La France Insoumise on social media and visit their campaign website (currently under development).
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