Bordeaux's mayoral race tightens as three rivals clash over climate, security and housing
Bordeaux's mayoral race is heating up as three strong candidates compete for the top job. Current Green mayor Pierre Hurmic is seeking another term with backing from Socialists and Communists. His main rivals include Thomas Cazenave, a former minister, and independent candidate Philippe Dessertine, who is gaining ground in the polls.
Pierre Hurmic has outlined plans to reshape the city if re-elected. He wants to create a 'low carbon district' near the Le Lac area and divide Bordeaux into 30 smaller local districts. His proposals also include restoring full night-time street lighting, reversing earlier cuts.
Thomas Cazenave, a civil servant and ex-Minister for Public Accounts, is pushing a security-focused campaign. He has pledged to arm all municipal police officers and double patrols across the city. Additionally, he aims to lower costs for residents by introducing fixed tariffs for city services based on income levels.
Independent candidate Philippe Dessertine is making waves with social housing and family support policies. His key promises include converting 78,000m² of empty office space into affordable housing for students and young people. He also plans to add 200 new crèche places and prioritise ending child homelessness.
In the 2020 elections, Philippe Poutou's left-wing alliance (NPA/La France Insoumise) secured 12 of the 65 city council seats. While details of his term's projects—such as housing and environmental schemes—remain unclear without access to municipal archives, his influence persists in local politics.
The election will decide Bordeaux's direction on climate, security, and housing. Hurmic's green policies face competition from Cazenave's law-and-order approach and Dessertine's social reforms. Polls suggest a tight race, with Dessertine's rise adding uncertainty to the outcome.
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