Léon Bertrand, a prominent figure of the right in French Guiana, has officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, eight years after leaving office due to legal issues. At 74, the former mayor from 1983 to 2018 is running on an open list focused on security, youth, and social cohesion in a city experiencing growth but facing significant socio-economic challenges.
Léon Bertrand, a historical embodiment of the right in French Guiana, surprised few by announcing his candidacy on January 19 for Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, the capital of western Guiana that he led uninterrupted from 1983 to 2018. A member of the RPR and then UMP, he was forced to leave his mayoral post in 2018 due to a judicial decision, at which point he declared the end of his political career after 35 years of local and national mandates, including stints as a deputy and junior minister. 'I won't run campaigns at 70,' he had stated at the time.
Eight years later, at 74, Bertrand is back in the spotlight for what may be his final electoral battle. He is running on an 'open list,' emphasizing key priorities for Saint-Laurent: security, youth – with a median age of 17 – and social cohesion. The municipality is experiencing rapid demographic growth, but it remains hampered by uneven development. Only 40% of housing is considered legal by the town hall, while half the population is unemployed. Its proximity to Suriname, described as a narco-state involved in international cocaine trafficking, fuels violence and illicit activities that plague the city.
This candidacy revives Bertrand's enduring influence in a region where his presence remains strong, despite years away. The municipal elections in French Guiana are shaping up as a major issue for the future of this border town.