Montpellier – Jean-Louis Roumégas, leading the Printemps Montpelliérain coalition, signaled confidence Monday despite recent internal challenges, as the group prepares to submit its candidate list for the upcoming municipal elections. Roumégas and his allies used a press conference to launch pointed criticisms of rival candidates, framing their own platform as the only fully developed plan for the city.
The event, themed “Montpellier at 50°C,” saw Roumégas adopt a combative tone, dismissing the proposals of other contenders. He specifically targeted Rémi Gaillard’s plan for the Lez riverbanks, characterizing it as superficial – “He makes a bathing area in the middle of concrete by putting a duck and two flower pots. It’s the pipe dream of social networks that doesn’t move things forward.” – and questioned the feasibility of Michaël Delafosse’s proposal for a beach area at La Valette, stating, “He wants to make a beach in the middle of a natural area… it’s not appropriate.” Roumégas further mocked Delafosse’s ambition, suggesting he was positioning himself for a national campaign rather than focusing on Montpellier’s needs.
Roumégas also criticized La France Insoumise (LFI) and its leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, accusing them of hypocrisy regarding incineration policy. He highlighted a perceived inconsistency between LFI’s opposition to incineration in Paris and its acceptance of the project in Montpellier, linking it to the involvement of René Revol. “When you are against incineration in Paris and you accept it in Montpellier… what is that?” Roumégas stated, adding, “Mélenchon can maintain his lessons in politics. He is not consistent on environmental matters.”
The Printemps Montpelliérain also took aim at businessman Mohed Altrad, questioning his environmental credentials and financial practices. Roumégas cited Altrad’s use of private jets and lack of tax payments as evidence of a disconnect between his public pronouncements and his personal conduct. “He goes to Paris in a private jet. It’s a scandal in terms of carbon footprint. And on the social level, he has a Rolls, a Bentley, a Ferrari… but he doesn’t pay taxes,” Roumégas asserted.
Roumégas expressed confidence that his coalition’s platform stands apart from what he characterized as “greenwashing” by Delafosse, the national political ambitions of LFI, and the perceived superficiality of Altrad’s campaign. He claimed that the Printemps Montpelliérain is the only group offering a substantive vision for the city’s future.
With a dozen candidates expected to compete in the upcoming municipal elections, the Printemps Montpelliérain is betting that its detailed program will resonate with voters. The deadline for submitting candidate lists is approaching, and the focus is now shifting to the specifics of each platform.
