More than 350 prominent figures from Toulouse have publicly endorsed incumbent Mayor Jean-Luc Moudenc ahead of the second round of municipal elections, signaling a concerted effort to counter the rising influence of the left-wing coalition led by François Piquemal. The endorsement, revealed Wednesday, includes a diverse group of individuals spanning business, medicine, sports, and the arts.
Among the signatories are Michelin-starred chef Michel Sarran, former France national rugby team coach Guy Novès, ex-Toulouse Football Club captain Dominique Arribagé, and retired rugby international Vincent Clerc. Other notable supporters include William Servat, René Bouscatel, Jean-Pierre Rives, boxers Arsen Goulamirian, Mohamed Mimoune, and Billal Bennama, as well as cultural figures Hélène Nougaro, Ysabel Baudis, Marc Deloche, and Julien Soone, according to La Dépêche du Midi.
The collective statement emphasizes the need to “guarantee the stability of Toulouse and protect the future of the metropolis,” framing Moudenc as a candidate offering “seriousness, experience, and stability.” The group asserts that their support transcends traditional political divides, uniting around a shared commitment to the city’s continued success.
The endorsement comes three days before the second round of voting, where Moudenc faces a challenge from François Piquemal, whose candidacy gained momentum after forming an alliance with socialist candidate François Briançon. Initial results from the first round saw Moudenc secure 37.23% of the vote, while Piquemal received 27.56% and Briançon 24.99%, setting the stage for a closely contested runoff.
The signatories’ statement directly addresses what they characterize as an “unprecedented threat” from the far-left, positioning Moudenc as a defender of republican values and a bulwark against extremism and antisemitism. This framing reflects broader concerns about the potential for a shift in political control within the city, as highlighted by Le Journal du Dimanche, which reported the endorsement as a direct attempt to “make LFI lose.”
The campaign has drawn attention to the potential for Toulouse to shift to left-wing control, with the alliance between Piquemal and Briançon now leading in current polling. The outcome of the election will determine the direction of the fourth-largest city in France, and the endorsement from these high-profile figures represents a significant attempt to influence voters in the final days of the campaign.
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