New Senator Wins by One Vote Margin
Maxence de Rugy, the new senator for Vendée, has stated that his election was won by a narrow margin, with his list, led by Bruno Retailleau, securing the three seats in Vendée. The list achieved the best result in France for a proportional list election, but it was a close call, with the victory margin being just one vote.
De Rugy’s reaction to the announcement of the results was mixed, feeling both relieved and aware of the challenges ahead. He acknowledged that the election was a replica of the municipal elections, with the same voters participating. His list secured nearly two-thirds of the votes, indicating a strong presence of the right-wing in Vendée.
However, the list led by Stéphane Ibarra, from the left, achieved an honorable score and managed to challenge the outcome at the margin. De Rugy recognized that the election was a warning sign, with the city of La Roche-sur-Yon, which has a significant number of voters, having shifted to the left in the previous municipal elections.
Background and Career
Maxence de Rugy has a long history of political engagement, having started his career as a militant for the Movement for France, led by Philippe de Villiers. He later became the chief of staff for Bruno Retailleau and was elected as a municipal counselor at the age of 23. At 31, he was elected mayor of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire in 2014.
De Rugy’s commitment to his community and his desire to serve the public interest have driven his political career. He has been inspired by local leaders and presidents of associations, as well as by Bruno Retailleau, who has been a significant influence on his political views.
As a mayor, de Rugy has been involved in a controversy, including the purchase of a plot of land for approximately 125,000 euros to prevent the installation of a traveling community. He defends this decision, arguing that it was necessary to protect the natural environment and prevent the establishment of a campsite in a sensitive area.
De Rugy has also supported the creation of a surf park project in his commune, which has been contested by environmental groups. He argues that the project has been approved by the relevant authorities and that the area is already artificialized, with a parking lot and a designation for leisure activities.
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Senate Election and Presidential Campaign
De Rugy’s decision to run for the Senate was motivated by his desire to serve the public interest at a national level. He believes that the Senate provides an opportunity to address broader issues, such as the agricultural crisis, financial crisis, security, and immigration.
As a senator, de Rugy plans to focus on the issue of civicism. He has created a project called “Passeport du civisme” to promote civic awareness among young people.
De Rugy is also close to Bruno Retailleau, who is running for president, and plans to support his candidacy. He believes that Retailleau’s message is essential for addressing the country’s challenges.
De Rugy acknowledges that the Republican party is facing challenges in the current political situation. However, he believes that the party can regain its credibility by promoting a project that is credible and serious.
For de Rugy, the presidential election is an opportunity for the French people to choose a project that is lucid, credible, and serious. He believes that Bruno Retailleau’s candidacy offers a chance for France to address its challenges and build a better future.
The election of Maxence de Rugy as senator has been seen as a significant victory for the right-wing in Vendée, and his support for Bruno Retailleau’s presidential campaign is expected to be important in the upcoming election.
Civicism and Presidential Campaign
As a senator, de Rugy will play a modest but significant role in the presidential campaign, using his influence to promote Retailleau’s candidacy and ideas. He knows Retailleau well and believes that he has the intellectual coherence and convictions to lead the country.
