Leftist Coalition 'Union pour Arles' Forms Ahead of 2026 Elections

On July 24, 2025, a coalition known as 'Union pour Arles' was officially launched by leftist political parties in Arles to mount a unified challenge against Patrick de Carolis, the incumbent mayor from the Horizons party, in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for March 2026. This coalition comprises multiple parties, including the French Communist Party (PCF), Socialist Party (PS), Europe Ecology – The Greens (EELV), Place publique, the New Anticapitalist Party (NPA), and La France insoumise.

The formation of 'Union pour Arles' reflects a collective agreement among the parties to address what they characterize as the negative aspects of the current municipal governance and the looming influence of far-right ideologies. Jean-Frédéric Dejean, local secretary of the PCF, underscored their platform’s focus, stating, "From our first meeting, we acted on our willingness to work together."

The coalition outlines three strategic objectives: to develop a policy program that signifies a departure from de Carolis's administration since 2020; to create a joint candidate list that incorporates voices from the coalition, civil society, and the associative sector; and to finalize a lead candidate by the end of September 2025. Over 500 individuals have already endorsed the call for unity articulated through the 'Appel d'Arles,' and campaigning efforts are expected to ramp up in September as they prepare for the elections.