Auxerre Mayor Crescent Marault, seeking re-election, defended his record and outlined future plans during an interview Monday on ICI Auxerre, whereas also explaining his decision to decline a televised debate with other candidates.
Marault, representing the Horizons party, cited the format of the planned France Télévisions debate as a key reason for his refusal. “Clearly, the conditions are not optimal,” he told interviewer Thierry Boulant. “It’s not live, it’s at 6 p.m., less than 30 minutes, with six candidates… each will attempt to get their point across. In 3-4 minutes, it’s not possible to explain things.” He emphasized his campaign platform comprises 36 pages and 70 proposals, arguing a brief debate segment would be insufficient.
Marault announced an alternative interview format, scheduled for the same evening on YouTube and Facebook with Laurent Argelier. He described it as an “interview without filters,” intended to allow for a more detailed discussion of his policies. When questioned about payment to Argelier, Marault acknowledged the necessity of compensation during an election campaign, stating, “It’s normal… it’s not possible for someone to do it for free.” He further asserted his desire to move beyond “buzz” and “polemic” in media coverage, focusing instead on a substantive explanation of his administration’s actions.
The interview also addressed concerns regarding the city’s debt. Marault stated that while the debt stood at approximately 58 million euros when he took office, it has remained relatively stable. He acknowledged a potential increase in debt due to planned projects, characterizing the resulting discussion as a “polémique.” He maintained that administrative accounts at the end of 2025 will show a decrease in debt, but conceded that future projects will require additional financing. “The debt is maîtrisée,” he stated, meaning it is under control, while acknowledging that opponents with numerous projects of their own implicitly believe the city has the financial capacity to support them.
Marault also responded to criticism regarding tax increases during his term. He attributed these increases to unforeseen circumstances, such as the energy crisis, citing a 500,000 euro increase in the cost of operating the city’s swimming pool. He stated the pool was temporarily closed to avoid costs reaching 1 million euros. He asserted that controlling taxes will be contingent on external factors, particularly energy prices, and that the only tax over which the city has direct control is the property tax, which is paid solely by homeowners.
Looking ahead, Marault highlighted the Batardeau-Montardoins project – a 17-hectare redevelopment of a former industrial site – as his top priority if re-elected. He described the project as an opportunity to demonstrate “energy autonomy” and integrate ecological transition into urban planning, encompassing housing, activities, soil decontamination, and site rehabilitation. He noted the project has already secured over 7 million euros in funding from the Banque des Territoires, a sum he said is comparable to funding allocated to the city of Nantes.
