In Bourg-en-Bresse, a town currently under the socialist leadership of Jean-François Debat for eighteen years, the local right-wing parties, including The Republicans (LR) and their affiliates, find themselves facing a significant challenge. With the morale at a low point following their last unsuccessful bid for the town in 2020, the right struggles to mobilize a viable candidate to dethrone Debat, who is seeking a fourth term. Aurane Reihanian, the candidate backed by regional heavyweight Laurent Wauquiez, failed to make an impression in the last election, securing only a small percentage of the vote.
The local political scene has been fraught with uncertainty, leaving many to wonder who could step up to the plate against the entrenched Debat. Despite some whispers suggesting that the former Socialist Party treasurer may be losing his edge, there have been few volunteers willing to take on the challenge. However, a glimmer of hope may come from an unexpected source.
Meet Benoît de Boysson, a 44-year-old practicing Catholic, lawyer, and law professor, who is also active in supporting Éric Zemmour. Although his previous political outing resulted in a modest 5.59% during the 2022 legislative elections, de Boysson is determined to make an impact. He expresses his passion for politics and people and is advocating for unity among the right, gathering support from traditional LR members as well as those aligned with figures like David Lisnard and Hervé Morin.
His new coalition, named “Bourg Ambition,” aims to rejuvenate the right-leaning presence in the town, reminiscent of previous attempts to rally the factions under a common banner. By reaching out to potential allies, even those on the fringes of the Rassemblement National, de Boysson hopes to craft a compelling alternative to Debat’s continued dominance. As the election approaches, the strategy of unification might be the key to revitalizing the local right and challenging the long-established socialists in Bourg-en-Bresse.