In Limoges, the outgoing right-wing is split between mayor Emile Roger Lombertie and metropolitan president Guillaume Guérin, both seeking the 2026 municipal elections candidacy. This internal rivalry offers hope to the left to reclaim the city, a former stronghold. Tensions arose after Lombertie's surprise announcement on January 7.
The 2026 municipal elections in Limoges are marked by divisions within the right-wing. The divers droite mayor, 74-year-old Emile Roger Lombertie, announced on January 7 in an interview with Populaire du Centre his bid for a third term. “I’ve done two terms, I’ve transformed Limoges. Many people have asked me to continue my action,” he stated. This announcement, known only to a small circle, surprised Guillaume Guérin, deputy for finances and metropolitan president.
That same day, Guérin emailed Les Républicains members, stating that “like me, no partner or majority municipal elected official was informed of this interview.” He denounced “an attempt to establish a brutal power dynamic” and “a hostage-taking” of the majority, calling the decision “unilateral.” According to him, it had been agreed to coordinate on the campaign organization.
On January 26, at an event in Limoges' Zénith before 1,500 people, Guérin launched his own candidacy. His supporters, who had been waiting for this declaration since September, welcomed it with an “finally.” This internal rivalry weakens the outgoing right and revives the left's hopes of reclaiming Limoges, a historic stronghold.
