In Nanterre, a left-wing stronghold since 1935, four left-wing lists will compete in the first round of municipal elections on March 15. Socialists have refused to join the outgoing majority backed by communists and ecologists, marking an unprecedented split. This division comes amid a succession following the departure of former mayor Patrick Jarry.
Nanterre, the prefecture of Hauts-de-Seine and a city of 98,000 residents, was at the center of urban riots in June 2023 following the death of Nahel. Traditionally a red stronghold, the municipality is witnessing the left fragmented for municipal elections for the first time in sixty years.
Outgoing mayor Raphaël Adam (divers gauche, non encarté), who succeeded Patrick Jarry in October 2023 after the latter's twenty-year term, leads the union list Choisir Nanterre. Initially, negotiations with the Parti socialiste (PS) appeared promising. A protocol agreement signed on January 16 provided for the inclusion of about ten socialist elected officials on this list, along with the distribution of future delegations.
However, everything shifted in early 2026 over a dispute regarding a seat at the Métropole du Grand Paris. Socialist elected officials, led by deputy Thérèse Ngimbous Batjôm, decided not to join this majority, supported by communists and ecologists. This choice has led to accusations of betrayal and a questioning of the local left's traditional model, in a department dominated by the right.
