In Evry-Courcouronnes, the left fields two lists to reclaim the town hall, long led by Manuel Valls. Incumbent mayor Stéphane Beaudet, a former LR member now independent, seeks a fifth term amid a tense campaign involving incidents and threats.
Stéphane Beaudet, 53, a former Les Républicains (LR) member now running independently, is seeking a fifth term as mayor of Evry-Courcouronnes, the prefecture of Essonne. The town was long led by Manuel Valls, a left-wing figure before his government role.
The 2026 municipal election campaign promises to be contested. Two left-wing lists are competing to regain the municipality, a priority target for La France insoumise. Beaudet alternates between positive moments, such as friendly door-to-door visits, award ceremonies, and the inauguration of a public services house with some dancing, and darker tensions.
During a meeting in a café opposite the town hall, the mayor receives a call about a car on fire near his home. “What the hell is this?” he reacts with concern. Police soon confirm it was a mechanical issue, with no intentional act or intimidation. On edge, Beaudet voices his fears: “I’m afraid this is becoming the new normal” for elected officials in 2026 France.
At the same time, he faces virulent attacks on TikTok, insults, and death threats, making the electoral atmosphere particularly heavy.