MoDem Rethinks 2026 Election Strategy: From Lists to Kingmakers in Key French Cities
Nîmes, France – In a significant shift in strategy, France’s centrist MoDem party is largely abandoning plans to field its own lists in the 2026 municipal elections, instead focusing on influencing outcomes by strategically supporting candidates who align with its core values. This breaking development, reported across the Gard and Hérault departments, signals a pragmatic recalibration for the party, which has struggled to gain traction in recent legislative contests. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is providing up-to-the-minute coverage.
No MoDem Lists Expected in Major Centers
Sources within the party confirm that, mirroring the situation in 2020, MoDem is unlikely to present its own candidate lists in key cities. In the Gard and Hérault, officials openly acknowledge the challenges of mounting competitive campaigns. “It has been 15 years since we’ve seen an inauguration following legislative elections,” laments Michel Dereymond, a party official in Montpellier. “There’s simply no readily available personality to lead a list here; we no longer have elected officials at the local level.”
However, this isn’t a sign of retreat. MoDem intends to remain a significant player, aiming to place candidates in several major and medium-sized cities – but as supporters, not leaders. The party’s national leadership will decide on a case-by-case basis which candidates to back, following consultations with local activists. This marks a departure from previous strategies and a move towards a more nuanced approach to electoral politics.
Values Over Party Lines: A Clear Red Line
Patricia Carolus-Daniel, president of MoDem in Hérault, emphasizes the party’s commitment to supporting candidates who share its values. “We will support candidates who respect our values, common by municipality according to specific local issues,” she stated. Crucially, the party is drawing a firm line against extremism. “There will be no list with extremes: No NFI [Nouvelle Formation Italienne] ni LFI [La France Insoumise],” insists an elected official in the Grande Motte, signaling a clear alignment with the presidential majority.
Evergreen Context: The French political landscape is notoriously fragmented. Smaller parties like MoDem often play a crucial role as kingmakers, particularly in municipal elections where local issues and personalities can outweigh national party affiliations. This strategy of selective support allows MoDem to maximize its influence without overextending its resources.
Focus on Climate, Social Issues, and Financial Responsibility
Beyond simply avoiding extremist parties, MoDem is actively seeking candidates who prioritize specific policy areas. In the Gard, Aurélien Colson highlights the party’s desire to support lists focused on “women and men aware of the climatic issues, attached to the social and realistic financial bond.” This emphasis on environmental sustainability and fiscal prudence reflects a growing trend in French politics, particularly among centrist voters.
Nîmes and Montpellier: Key Battlegrounds
The situation is particularly fluid in Nîmes and Montpellier. In Nîmes, former deputy Philippe Berta’s designated representative is leaning towards supporting candidates from the center-right, aligning with the natural allies of MoDem within the presidential majority. The field of potential candidates – including Valérie Rouverand (Renaissance), Franck Proust (LR), and Julien Plantier (LR Dissident/Horizons) – remains crowded. Colson acknowledges the importance of every vote in the closely contested race, even expressing courteous relations with Vincent Bouget despite not planning to support his candidacy.
Montpellier presents a similarly complex picture. With multiple potential candidates vying for support – including Macronist Patricia Mirallès, Republican Isabelle Perrein, and Horizons’ Stéphanie Jannin – MoDem is taking a wait-and-see approach. Michel Dereymond doesn’t entirely dismiss the possibility of supporting even current mayor Michaël Delafosse, praising his overall performance while acknowledging areas for improvement. He’s particularly critical of “summer candidates” who focus more on criticism than concrete proposals.
Strategic Absences and Shifting Alliances
Interestingly, MoDem has chosen not to designate representatives in Lunel or Béziers. In Béziers, the party acknowledges the changing demographics and the growing appeal of far-right mayor Robert Ménard, refusing to “give him discharge” despite his increasing mainstream acceptance. This strategic absence highlights the challenges MoDem faces in appealing to voters who have shifted towards the extreme right.
SEO Tip: Understanding the nuances of French local politics is key to interpreting these developments. Archyde.com will continue to provide in-depth analysis and breaking news coverage as the 2026 elections approach. Stay tuned for updates and expert commentary.
The party has appointed leaders in Sète, La Grande Motte, and the Grand Pic Saint-Loup, signaling a continued commitment to local engagement. However, the overall strategy clearly prioritizes influence over direct representation, positioning MoDem as a potential kingmaker in several key races.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, MoDem’s strategic shift underscores the importance of adaptability and pragmatism in French electoral politics. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this new approach will translate into tangible gains for the party and its preferred candidates.
