During a televised debate on Marseille's municipal elections, right-wing candidate Martine Vassal adopted and defended the slogan 'work, family, homeland', linked to the Vichy regime, before adding 'humanity'. The moment halted discussions among key candidates, which focused on national controversies.
The debate, hosted by BFM-TV in partnership with La Provence and Le Figaro, took place on Thursday, February 19, in the grand hall of the Palais de la Bourse, near Marseille's Vieux-Port. The four main candidates – Benoît Payan (divers gauche, incumbent mayor), Martine Vassal (divers droite), Sébastien Delogu (La France insoumise), and Franck Allisio (Rassemblement national) – had been discussing national issues for over an hour, including the death of Quentin Deranque in Lyon, alleged ties between the antifascist group La Jeune Garde and LFI, and the fight against narcotrafficking.
Questioned about a potential second-round alliance with the RN, Martine Vassal, president of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis and the Bouches-du-Rhône department, and backed by a right-center union including Renaissance, stated her personal values had « never changed »: « It’s merit, work, family, homeland. »
The remark prompted an instant response. Benoît Payan interjected: « Do you realize what you just said? Work, family, homeland – that’s Mr. Pétain’s slogan. » Martine Vassal replied defiantly: « Yes, of course. And it’s my slogan and my values! » Prompted by journalist Apolline de Malherbe, she added: « And humanity. »
The moment froze the audience, highlighting a shift in a debate otherwise focused on issues distant from Marseille residents' daily concerns.
