Already 4 candidates: a well-stocked starting line for the 2026 municipal elections in Saint-Maximin

The political climate in Saint-Maximin isn't what one might call "serene." And it's not new. While some believe that distrust began with the election of Alain Decanis, one could argue that even before that, power struggles in the shadow of the basilica often played out behind the scenes at city hall. But it's true that since the current mayor took office, controversy and outbursts of anger have flourished on the city council, so much so that the war of succession didn't wait until July 2025 to begin.

Aided by tensions within the majority itself, whose unity quickly appeared fragile, the climate has continued to deteriorate, and ultimately, the 2026 campaign sounds to many like the end of playtime, and the return to serious business. While this recovery may not yet be visible at municipal council meetings, it can nevertheless be detected in the words of the various candidates declared for the seat of chief magistrate next year.

So, since it's time to take a step back, with official and publicly announced intentions, let's take stock. Four candidates, four projects, one ambition: to (re)conquer the town hall of Saint-Maximin.

Thomas Molina (RN): to break the glass ceiling?

The first to declare his candidacy is also the only one not to have made an official statement. In his own name, at least. On May 30, when the announcement of his intention was revealed on BFM, it was through the voice of Frank Giletti, the National Rally MP for the constituency, invited as the Var leader of the far-right party. "Thomas Molina, a young leader of the movement, from the region. A first electoral experience for this 26-year-old young man (...). We're counting on him, we trust him."

Since then (and even before), the main person concerned has been making numerous appearances at institutional meetings, often accompanied by the MP. His advantage, and Franck Giletti has noted this well, is the division of opponents, in a city that placed the MP in the lead with more than 50% in the first round of the last legislative election. "For too long, ego quarrels have held back our community ," confirms Thomas Molina. "I am committed to putting an end to the personal interests that stifle the common good." He adds: "I am committed to bringing a credible alternative, a new impetus, a clear vision." It remains, as is often the case with the Le Pen party, to convince people that the nationalist ideology adapts to the local terrain.

Fabrice Albert: an "outsider" who is not so "out"

The second to announce his candidacy was Fabrice Albert, who was defeated by the National Rally (RN) in the legislative elections, despite still receiving 20% of the vote. This was an insufficient score, but far from trivial for a figure who will undoubtedly have the advantage of not having participated in the sometimes dismaying battles of municipal councils, since he was not elected. He remains supported by several members of the municipal council, including Gabriel Pich and his group (Democracy and Transparency). Mireille Bœuf, before her death, was also involved in the work that would lead to the declaration of candidacy.

While he's not a staple of Maximinois life, it's hard not to recognize his certain standing, as he's never far from everything that's happening in the corridors of political life. "Our method is listening," he said during his speech on June 21. "Our responsibility is to offer a credible and united alternative, in a peaceful atmosphere. And our line is benevolence." He concluded: "My candidacy is part of a simple and clear call: to unite to turn the page on a mandate marked by debt, opacity, and contempt for residents."

Vesselina Garello: a new election to win?

Vesselina Garello is no stranger to the ordeal of the ballot box. Elected in Saint-Maximin for 11 years, she won the departmental by-election in March 2023 with her partner Stéphane Arnaud. They beat an RN candidate and another supported by the municipality, and won the majority of votes (despite a significant abstention rate) in the city of the basilica.

Since then, with her label as departmental councilor of the canton, Vesselina Garello continues her political action, which some sometimes consider marked by a systematic opposition to the mayor, but which is always argued, in the hubbub of the municipal assemblies. "As a departmental councilor, I support the projects that go in the right direction, but the real levers of local action are at the town hall," she explains.

As the leader of the main opposition group, the elected official officially announced her intention to run for mayor in a long speech delivered on June 28th to 250 people at Place Malherbe. She offered a jumble of economic, social, and urban planning perspectives, concluding with this call: "Let's not wait for change; let's be committed and determined actors, let's join forces, and let's all roll up our sleeves to build the future of Saint-Maximin together."

Alain Decanis: taking advantage of the dispersion of forces?

He lost his signing powers, he regained them, he lost them again. He fell out with the city, he wanted to leave, he stayed, he reconciled (in part). And finally, he no longer has a majority. In short, Alain Decanis's first term resembles a long Via Crucis. And yet, the mayor moves forward, unwavering, confident in his strength, a record far from being as catastrophic as his opponents claim, and new perspectives from a list of truly loyal supporters. With one element that remains unchanged, no matter how violent the headwinds: the conviction that he is right.

Now it's time to convince the constituents, but it would be a clever person to say they're not already convinced. The show put on by the opposition, in which the mayor obviously participated, didn't appeal to everyone, and the major achievement of the mandate, the sports complex, is appreciated.

On June 28, during an evening event at Le Déffens, Alain Decanis confirmed his intention to run for a second term. "I don't want to entrust the keys to the town hall to people who are only concerned about their political careers." Just another angle of attack. But it confirms one thing: the disunity of the opposition is benefiting the current mayor. And he knows it!