In Orléans, outgoing mayor Serge Grouard, in power since 2001, is seeking a new term in the March 15 municipal elections. The proliferation of lists promises an unprecedented first round, with the left aiming to reconquer the city. At the last municipal council, Grouard defended his security record, despite opposition criticism.
Serge Grouard, 66 years old and from the diverse right, has led Orléans since 2001. A former Republicans deputy for Loiret from 2002 to 2017, he opened the last municipal council of his term on February 12, giving the floor to his first deputy Florent Montillot, in charge of public tranquility.
A screen displayed statistics showing an 80% drop in local delinquency over twenty-five years, presented a month before the first round of elections on March 15. Security remains a central theme in Grouard's campaign.
The left-wing opposition criticized the presentation as incomplete and truncated, accusing an attempt to sow doubt. Grouard responded: “I regret that they try to instill this little suspicion or doubt, insidiously. It’s always the same method, pardon me for saying, from part of the left: it turns out the figures are good and trust [in security forces] is there.”
The proliferation of electoral lists indicates a competitive vote, where the left dreams of reconquering the Loiret capital after over two decades of Grouard's dominance.