Draguignan Municipal Elections 2026: Philippe Schreck (RN), who won a large lead in the first round, merges his list with the independent right-wing candidate for the second round

This week, Entrevue brings you the aftermath of the first round of municipal elections. Now, the focus shifts to alliances, negotiations, and new configurations in preparation for the second round, which will be held next Sunday.

In Draguignan, the National Rally MP Philippe Schreck arrived leading by a wide margin in the first round with nearly 45% of the votesconfirming his local presence in the Var region, he finished ahead of incumbent mayor Richard Strambio, who garnered approximately 40% of the vote. Behind them, the left-wing list led by Christophe Terras failed to reach the threshold required to remain in the race, receiving just over 8% of the vote.

The real news between the two rounds, however, concerns the recomposition of local political forces. Philippe Schreck has managed to conclude a merger with the right-wing list led by François Gibaud, which had obtained nearly 7% of the votes in the first round. This rapprochement considerably strengthens the bloc that has formed around the MP from Var and broadens his electoral base a few days before the second round.

At the same time, the local left chose to withdraw and call for support for the incumbent mayor, Richard Strambio, who consequently became a candidate backed by both La France Insoumise (LFI) and Les Républicains (LR). This strategy of unity was intended to try to contain the momentum of the National Rally (RN) candidate, but it also reflects the balance of power established from the first round by Philippe Schreck.

With a significant initial lead and now bolstered by votes from the local right wing, Philippe Schreck, a seasoned local politician and experienced lawyer, appears to be in a strong position in the mayoral race. In this town in the Var hinterland, momentum seems clearly on his side, and the former president of the Draguignan bar association, now a National Rally (RN) member of parliament, enters the second round with a serious chance of winning next Sunday.

Editor's Note: A few weeks ago, in an interview with Radouan Kourak, Philippe Schreck announced his candidacy for mayor of Draguignan, clearly stating his desire for municipal change. Just days before the second round of voting, he now seems closer than ever to realizing this political ambition in the Var city.