Michel Vauzelle’s announcement not to run again for the Regional Council of PACA has opened the race for candidacies. Patrick Allemand, who is the First Vice-President, is also the first to put forward his candidacy to succeed him.
The challenge appears difficult for the socialist: His image is tarnished by electoral setbacks in his department and his home city, the party is suffering from national results, a predominantly right-wing electorate is historically massive in the Alpes-Maritimes, and, finally, the FN is on a positive trajectory even if Jean-Marie Le Pen’s candidacy is not part of a future-oriented project.
Furthermore, along the Mediterranean coast, the permeability of ideas and sometimes the similarity in behavior between the UMP and the FN is also evident and affects voting behind the curtain.
All these elements make Patrick Allemand’s ambition not devoid of the risk of a cruel disappointment, especially if other left-wing parties (Communists and Greens) do not partake in an electoral alliance.
And this is without accounting for the traditional rivalries and settling of scores between factions within the same family (Azurรฉens against Marseillais, loyalists against rebels, socialists against former socialists (Guรฉrini), clans and personal rivalries…) that Michel Vauzelle, thanks to his stature, knew how to master perfectly and which, in his absence, are likely to manifest with all the enthusiasm typical of socialists in such circumstances.
In short, the least that can be said is that for Patrick Allemand, “the road is steep” but, without a doubt, the stakes are worth it.
Patrick ALLEMAND’s Statement (summary)
President Michel Vauzelle has just announced his decision not to seek a fourth term.
I have been the First Vice-President of the Region alongside Michel Vauzelle for three terms, and I have held various responsibilities alongside him: tourism, regional economic development, and since 2010, international relations and Europe. I have seen our region change, and I know the challenges ahead of us.
I declare my availability to lead the left’s fight in the upcoming regional elections against Jean-Marie LE PEN and what he represents as a danger to democracy and our Region.
