A dispute over messaging practices in Bourg-de-Péage, a commune in the Drôme department of France, has emerged as a point of contention in the lead-up to the March 15th and 22nd municipal elections. The controversy, dubbed “WhatsApp gate” by local media, centers on alleged communication between Aubin Verilhac, the Socialist candidate and Benjamin Missud, representing the Les Républicains party.
According to reporting in Le Dauphiné Libéré, the Socialist party has characterized the potential alliance between Verilhac and Missud as an “unacceptable fault.” The nature of the communication, reportedly conducted via WhatsApp, has not been publicly detailed, but the reaction suggests a breach of expected protocol or a disagreement over political strategy.
The unfolding situation occurs even before the first round of voting has taken place, suggesting a degree of pre-election maneuvering and potential realignment of forces. Bourg-de-Péage, with a population of 9,921 as of 2023, is located 20 kilometers from Valence and is part of the CA Valence Romans Agglo intercommunality, according to Wikipedia. Nathalie Nieson is the current mayor, serving a term that runs until 2026.
The campaign also involves scrutiny of the École Thoraval, though the specific details of this issue remain unclear from available reports. A “carton” – likely referring to a campaign poster or leaflet – circulating on Facebook has drawn attention, though its content and significance are not yet specified.
Marie-Hélène Thoraval, the mayor of neighboring Romans-sur-Isère, has also recently been the subject of political discussion, with the local PCF branch reacting to her statements regarding the 2024 legislative elections. L’Impartial reported that the PCF described Thoraval as “the submarine of the Rassemblement National,” indicating concern over her political positioning.
The municipal elections in Bourg-de-Péage and Romans-sur-Isère are being closely watched as indicators of the political landscape in the region. The Isère River separates the two communes, and both are situated along a major transportation route between the Alps and the Massif Central.