Mohed Altrad, the dynamic entrepreneur and president of Montpellier Hérault Rugby, has decided to once again enter the fray in the 2026 municipal elections in Montpellier. Challenging the current mayor, Michaël Delafosse, Altrad presents an ambitious vision for the city, focusing on commitments such as massive job creation, youth safety, and increased access to public services. His message signals a desire for change in the face of current administration and promises to transform Montpellier into “a city of builders.”
A bold return to the political arena The construction magnate, Mohed Altrad,
famous for his entrepreneurial success and his involvement in sports with the Montpellier rugby club, made a strong and anticipated announcement: his candidacy for the 2026 municipal elections. Gathering around 500 supporters in a hall in southern Montpellier, he declared: “At a time when many choose comfort, I have chosen the fight.”
Criticism of the current Socialist administration During his speech, Altrad didn’t mince words. He sharply criticized the management of the current Socialist municipal government led by Michaël Delafosse. According to Altrad, the city needs real change and new leadership: “Montpellier needs a builder,” he declared, expressing his desire to “dismantle the system”
which he perceives as being closely linked to the Socialist Party. A program focused on employment and security Among his main promises, Mohed Altrad pledged to create no fewer than 30,000 jobs to achieve the ambitious goal of a city with no unemployment. Another significant measure concerns the safety of young people with the introduction of a curfew
for minors under 16 years of age starting at 10 p.m. Altrad also addressed the issue of accessibility, promising free school lunches for all children.
Commitments to a more accessible city Keen to make Montpellier more livable, Mohed Altrad wants to maintain the existing free public transport system, while also seeking to improve urban traffic flow and reduce congestion. He has also expressed his opposition to certain controversial projects, such as the construction of a refuse-derived fuel (RDF) treatment plant, which he promises to abandon if elected. Altrad’s candidacy joins the list of candidates vying for mayor in 2026, where he will face other notable contenders (see:
2026 Municipal Elections: The Candidates in Montpellier ), and follows in the footsteps of other political figures, such as Jean-Louis Roumégas, who advocates for ecological change (see:2026 Municipal Elections in Montpellier: Jean-Louis Roumégas ). As the race for mayor intensifies, Mohed Altrad’s vision and program for Montpellier are already generating considerable anticipation and debate among the population. The battle for Montpellier appears to be well underway.