The ecological mayor of Annecy renounces to represent the municipal elections in 2026 – Liberation

It is the second green mayor who will not embark on the battle in 2026, With Eric Piolle in Grenobleout of loyalty to a campaign promise to limit itself to two terms. After passing Annecy under an ecological pavilion For the first time in its history in 2020François Astorg has decided not to stand out in the next municipal elections, a « Personal choice », he said has Here Pays de Savoie And At World This Friday, May 16.

“Today, I want to take a political break. This mandate has been exhilarating, exciting, but also difficult and sometimes a little using ”said the mayor « Various environmentalist », 64 years old. François Astorg was part of the green wave Who had carried several elected environmentalists at the head of big cities in 2020, but led a very heterogeneous majority, with elected officials close to LFI to horizons, regularly crossed by tensions.

“There is a share of fatigue but it is not wear (…) and it is not a failure. I think that my opponents will redo the story, they will put this back to their sauce on social networks but I tell you: it is a choice above all personal ”he insists. It was « Incredibly hard to see () seriously injured children », he added, in reference to A knife attack against children by A Syrian refugee On a play area near the lake, which occurred on June 8, 2023. itself threatened with death, the councilor recalls that it had to be placed under police protection. « Today, I think that the Republic does not protect its elected officials enough », he believes.

However, François Astorg says he « proud » of his assessment, in particular of « The transformation of public space and mobility on the city ». « It is a real pride because it meets climatic issues and improving the quality of life »he said. Asked about his possible support for another candidate in his camp, the mayor does not advance a name but believes that « The ideal candidate for the next elections, it is the person who will have the courage to continue this transition and maintain the city’s project on an ecological and social axis ».