Nearly 150 candidates in French local elections back Ukraine
Nearly 150 candidates in local elections in France have signed the Charter in Support for Ukraine proposed by the Stand with Ukraine association.
Source: Edward Mayor, President of Stand with Ukraine, as cited by Ukrinform and reported by European Pravda
Details: Mayor said that a day before the second round of local elections in France, nearly 150 candidates representing 100 cities and all political currents joined the Charter in Support for Ukraine.
Among the signatories are representatives of both small rural communities and larger cities, including candidates competing for positions in Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Rennes and Nice.
"A significant share of the signatories represent the hundred largest cities in France," Mayor noted.
In particular, in Paris the Charter was signed by two of the three finalists – Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire and the Republicans' candidate Rachida Dati. The document was also signed by Nice candidate Éric Ciotti, formerly a member of The Republicans and now an ally of Marine Le Pen's political force.
In Strasbourg, four candidates with different political views pledged to support Ukraine. In several cities – Nice, Paris, Lorient and Strasbourg – the document was signed by candidates who are direct rivals.
Quote: "Thus, support for Ukraine is a rare point of agreement that goes beyond electoral competition in local elections. This mobilisation is not symbolic. It is forming a structured network of support for Ukraine that we want to anchor in the regions so that it exists beyond political changes and electoral cycles."
Details: Stand with Ukraine proposed that candidates declare plans to support Ukraine in seven key areas: supporting democratic values and Ukraine's sovereignty; developing partnerships with Ukrainian cities and contributing to strengthening their resilience and reconstruction; engaging local associations, businesses and institutions in supporting Ukraine; integrating Ukrainian topics into the cultural and civic life of their communities; and conducting awareness-raising activities against disinformation and Russian interference.
Read more: Rehearsal for Macron's replacement: what the local elections reveal about sentiment in France
Background:
- On the morning of 22 March, voting in the second round of local elections began in about 1,500 cities and communities across France. More than 33,300 winners were determined in the first round last weekend.
- France's local elections are attracting increased attention as they are seen as a "test of public sentiment" ahead of the presidential election in 2027.
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