Socialist Ericka Bareigts, mayor of Saint-Denis in La Réunion, kicked off her municipal election campaign with a packed rally on January 31. Over 7,000 attendees cheered the candidate, who has forged a left-wing union despite local political divisions. In this overseas city of 156,000 residents, the largest in the French territories, she emerges as the frontrunner following the withdrawal of her main opponents.
On January 31, Ericka Bareigts launched her municipal campaign in Saint-Denis, La Réunion, with a rally at the petit stade de l'Est, packed to capacity with over 7,000 attendees according to organizers. Dressed in a bright green fluo top, the candidate entered to cheers boosted by a personalized electoral remix called "Ericka lé là." Supporters waved portraits of her topped with her name in heart shape, fostering a celebratory vibe.
Socialist senator Audrey Bélim highlighted the event's success by noting: “It’s much better than Emmanuel Macron, who couldn’t fill it halfway,” referring to a 2017 gathering. Bareigts, former overseas minister from 2016 to 2017, views it as "a sign of confidence." She cautions against complacency: “We must work as if we’re not the frontrunners because it’s an election, a fight.”
In a fragmented political landscape, this left-wing union positions Bareigts as the favorite in the largest overseas city. Key opponents, including Didier Robert (miscellaneous right), Nassimah Dindar (Union of Democrats and Independents), and Jean-Jacques Morel (National Rally), have withdrawn, smoothing her path to reelection.
