Bordeaux Collective ‘In Struggles’ Aims to Disrupt 2026 Elections with Radical Direct Democracy Plan
Bordeaux, France – December 28, 2025 – A new political force is emerging in Bordeaux, challenging the status quo with a bold vision for direct democracy. The collective, known as “Bordeaux in struggles,” comprised of figures from the Yellow Vest movement and the radical left, is preparing for the 2026 municipal elections with a unique proposal: a rotating mandate for elected officials. This breaking development signals a potential shift in how local governance operates, and could resonate far beyond the city limits. This is a story for anyone interested in the future of participatory politics and the evolving landscape of French democracy – a key topic for archyde.com readers.
What is a Rotating Mandate and Why Now?
The core of “Bordeaux in struggles’” platform is the rotating mandate. Rather than traditional, fixed terms, the collective proposes that elected officials periodically step aside, allowing others from the list to take their place. “We are bound by the operating rules of a municipal council, but what we would like to do is for most people to be able to participate directly,” explains Bruno Bouyer, a member of the collective. “It’s a bit of a deviation from the electoral path, but it exists.” The idea gained traction following the recent resignation of Antoine Boudinet, where the next person on the list seamlessly took over, demonstrating the practical feasibility of the concept.
This isn’t simply about sharing power; it’s about building a more representative and responsive government. The collective believes a rotating mandate will “train a maximum of people through the municipal council and to restore confidence in the collective and the political.” Candidates pledge to relinquish their seats to others within the collective if they choose to move on, ensuring a constant influx of fresh perspectives.
From Yellow Vests to the Municipal Council: A History of Activism
“Bordeaux in struggles” isn’t a newcomer to the political arena. The collective formally declared its candidacy over a year ago, building on the groundwork laid by the Yellow Vest movement. Key figures like Myriam Eckert, currently a municipal councilor, bring firsthand experience of grassroots activism to the table. They’ve actively participated in national meetings of citizen and participatory lists, connecting with over 360 similar groups across France. This network demonstrates a growing desire for more direct involvement in political decision-making.
Evergreen Insight: The Yellow Vest movement, which began in late 2018, was initially sparked by fuel tax increases but quickly evolved into a broader protest against economic inequality and perceived elitism. Its legacy continues to shape French politics, fueling demands for greater citizen participation and a more responsive government. The rise of these citizen-led lists represents a direct response to the perceived failures of traditional political parties to address these concerns.
Bold Policy Proposals: Requisitions, Raids, and Disarmament
Beyond the rotating mandate, “Bordeaux in struggles” is advocating for a series of ambitious policies. These include the “massive requisition of vacant housing – without dispossession,” increased support for community raids (likely referring to food distribution initiatives), and the disarmament of the municipal police. While these proposals are likely to spark debate, Myriam Eckert emphasizes that “all our ideas are debatable even if we have very strong convictions,” underscoring the collective’s commitment to genuine dialogue.
Eckert critiques current participatory democracy efforts as largely symbolic. “Today, participatory democracy essentially consists of going on the internet to participate in consultations where we are not decision-makers or participating in meetings where everything is already decided in advance,” she explains. The collective aims to overcome these limitations by placing citizens at the heart of the decision-making process.
Targeting the Abstention Vote and Re-Engaging Activists
“Bordeaux in struggles” recognizes that winning elections requires more than just a compelling platform. They are specifically targeting the significant portion of the electorate that consistently abstains from voting, as well as activists who have become disillusioned with the political process. “We hope to draw on the reserve of votes of the abstentionists,” says Eckert, “But also ‘activists who no longer vote, telling themselves that it’s useless.’”
The collective believes that by fostering a sense of genuine participation and empowerment, they can “take back control locally” and build a more vibrant and inclusive democracy. Bouyer adds, “If during a mandate we manage to ensure that all citizens feel concerned by what happens to them, we may not have built a great bridge, but we will have made good progress in the democratic functioning of a city.”
The unfolding story in Bordeaux offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of local politics. As “Bordeaux in struggles” prepares for the 2026 elections, their innovative approach to direct democracy and commitment to citizen engagement are sure to be closely watched – not just in France, but by anyone interested in revitalizing democratic processes around the world. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuing coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the evolving political landscape.
