2026 Municipal Elections in Montpellier: A Closer Look at the Declared Candidates
The 2026 municipal elections are just around the corner for the city of Montpellier, scheduled for March 15 and 22. Six candidates have declared their candidacy in this crucial race, including the incumbent mayor, Michaël Delafosse. Other prominent figures, such as businessman Mohed Altrad and LFI (France Unbowed) MP Nathalie Oziol, are also vying for the mayor’s office. Each candidate has unique interests and proposals for Montpellier, reflecting a diversity of visions for the city’s future.
Michaël Delafosse: the incumbent mayor Running for re-election,Michaël Delafosse, a Socialist and history-geography teacher, is seeking to renew the mandate he won in 2020. He has notably proposed extending the tramway to the sea, beyond the metropolitan area’s borders, thus demonstrating an ambitious plan for developing Montpellier’s urban infrastructure (learn more here). Seeking no alliances for the second round, he is counting on his vision and past achievements to win over voters.
Mohed Altrad: the ambitious businessmanMohed Altrad, owner of the Altrad Group and the Montpellier Hérault Rugby club, is trying again after receiving 18.2% of the vote in the second round in 2020. His campaign, launched on January 15, reflects his desire for the city’s economic and cultural transformation. His influence in the sports and business sectors could therefore play a major role in attracting new voters. Max Muller: the voice of the far left
Under the banner of
Permanent Revolution Max Muller is making his debut in the Montpellier municipal elections. This candidacy represents a new political option for voters seeking radical change and profound social transformation. Muller’s participation could steer the debate towards more progressive proposals.
Nathalie Oziol: The Determined Rebel
Nathalie Oziol, Member of Parliament for the second district of Hérault, is taking center stage for La France Insoumise (France Unbowed). With her “radical left” list, she is fiercely opposed to Delafosse. Her campaign is deeply rooted in the Celleneuve district, a symbolic location for her first impactful campaign rallies. Given the growing strength of her movement, her discourse is expanding beyond the local level to include national issues (read more here).Isabelle Perrein: The Citizen’s VisionThe first to declare her candidacy, Isabelle Perrein, a notary by profession, is presenting her ambitious project for the city through her movement, Alerte Montpellier (Montpellier Alert). His platform aims to inject more transparency and citizen participation into municipal decisions, reflecting a desire to strengthen local democracy (
learn more here
). Jean-Louis Roumégas: Ecology and SolidarityJean-Louis Roumégas, a member of Europe Ecology – The Greens (EELV), reaffirms a platform focused on environmentalism and social justice. Proposing to reduce the city’s concrete footprint and establish free school cafeterias, his commitment to the environment remains unwavering, promising less concrete and sustainable ecological solutions for the city (learn more here