French Socialist Party Refuses to Endorse David Lisnard for AMF Presidency, Accusing Him of 'Populism'

Following a meeting of its National Bureau on Tuesday evening, the French Socialist Party (PS) announced its categorical refusal to support the candidacy of David Lisnard, the Mayor of Cannes, for re-election as head of the Association of Mayors of France (AMF) in the upcoming elections scheduled for November 23–25.

Sharp Criticism and Warning Against 'Populism'

In an official statement, the Socialist Party affirmed that it would not cast its votes for a candidate who is "drifting day after day toward populism and attempting to unite the right with the far right." The party explained that it has long been a partner in the pluralistic, cross-party governance of the association and has once again chosen to participate in a governance agreement between left- and right-wing forces to renew its governing bodies; however, this agreement does not cover the presidency.

The Socialists considered that Lisnard is engaged in an "escalating right-wing drift," accusing him of failing to respect the duties of his office as president of the association, violating his obligation to foster unity, and clearly conflating his campaign for the AMF presidency with his declared ambitions to run in the French presidential election.

Provocations Affecting Historical Memory and Irresponsible Statements

The party denounced what it described as "caricaturish and irresponsible" statements made by the Mayor of Cannes. It pointed out that he turned a solidarity rally with the municipality of Limoges—which suffered an arson attack on October 17—into a political platform, and promoted misinformation by claiming the existence of "terrorist training camps" on the Millevaches plateau.

The statement also sharply criticized Lisnard for extending his hand to allies of the National Front (now the National Rally) and for showing contempt toward the memory of the October 17, 1961 massacre—the tragic event in which dozens of Algerian protesters were killed and their bodies thrown into the River Seine by police forces in Paris—calling it a grave offense against memory, justice, and immigrant issues in France.

Calls for Withdrawal and an Anticipated Contest

The Socialist Party indicated that several mayors from across the political spectrum, including representatives of the right and independents, have voiced their discontent and rejection of Lisnard's stances, arguing that this should "naturally lead him to withdraw his candidacy."

The party concluded by emphasizing that it will vote for a candidate capable of guaranteeing pluralism and collective action within the association. Lisnard faces a single challenger: Philippe Laurent, the Mayor of Sceaux in the Hauts-de-Seine department and a member of the Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI).