With less than a month until the first round of Marseille's municipal elections, former mayor Michèle Rubirola still does not know her position on the list led by Benoît Payan. A symbol of the Printemps marseillais victory in 2020, the ecologist doctor is actively involved in the campaign despite the uncertainty. She proudly defends the municipality's record while managing a painful knee.
Marseille's municipal elections are fast approaching, and Michèle Rubirola, an iconic figure of the Printemps marseillais, finds herself in a waiting position. The list to be submitted by the movement and its leader, outgoing mayor Benoît Payan (divers gauche), is due by February 26. Rubirola, who was the first woman and first ecologist to hold the mayor's office in June 2020, states: « Benoît told me he would get back to me… I'm waiting ».
Six years ago, this ecologist doctor, estranged from her party, was thrust to the head of the victorious left-wing coalition. Nicknamed « the good mayor » by parts of the national press, she symbolized a fresh start for the city. However, six months after her election, health issues and discouragement over the task's magnitude led her to swap positions with her first deputy, Benoît Payan.
This switch was poorly received by many Printemps marseillais voters. Oppositions continue to exploit it, labeling Payan as the « unelected mayor ». Despite this, Rubirola is committed to the current campaign, proudly supporting the municipality's record, even as a painful knee hampers her.
