Will the voters of Bois-d'Arcy have to return to the polls to choose their new mayor?
This is one of the scenarios considered since the announcement of the resignation of mayor (UDI) Jean-Philippe Luce.
And one name regularly comes up in conversations, that of the former mayor, Philippe Benassaya (LR), who gave up his chair to his deputy in November 2020, following his election to the National Assembly.
The law on the accumulation of mandates did not allow him to retain his mandate as mayor and that of departmental councilor while being at the Palais-Bourbon.
The former mayor does not rule out returning to control of the city, even if for the moment he considers this scenario “premature”.
“We can only make projections.
Discussions are underway within the municipal team.
I can't predict what will happen.
But if other municipal councilors were to resign, that would mean the calling of a municipal by-election,” explains the 59-year-old former deputy, who says he is surprised by the decision of his former running mate.
“It was agreed between us that I would take over in 2026”
“It was a resignation that surprised me a little.
Two years before the end of the mandate, I did not expect it.
I resigned in 2020, he resigned three years later, I advised him not to do it.
It was agreed between us that I would take over in 2026 and that he would return to his professional obligations.
But I understand his decision, because this mandate requires devoting himself to it full time.
When you have a professional career, it's very difficult.
Being mayor today is a full-time job.
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Bois-d’Arcy, on February 8.
Mayor Jean-Philippe Luce announced his resignation.
He should send his letter to the prefect during the school holidays.
LP/Véronique Beaugrand
The municipal opposition was also taken by surprise.
Its members learned of the mayor's resignation through a letter in their mailbox like all the other residents of the town.
The opposition denounces “politician politics”
“Strategies are being put in place.
Some are talking about the return of Philippe Benassaya”, assures Jocelyne Hannier, leader of the opposition who denounces “politician politics”.
“Jean-Philippe Benassaya resigned seven months after his election as mayor to be a deputy.
And there, he would return to town hall to return to the forefront.
The residents feel cheated.”
Jean-Philippe Luce, 39, announced his intention to resign via a post on his Facebook account.
During the last municipal council meeting, on February 8, devoted to the debate on budgetary orientations, he briefly explained his decision.
“I have always chosen to pursue a professional activity.
It seems important to me to keep one foot in real life,” comments the future ex-mayor, also a regional councilor.