Aix-Marseille: Nicolas Isnard takes the reins of the Metropolis and promises a "metropolis of mayors"

Nicolas Isnard was elected president of the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolitan area on Tuesday, April 7, with 199 votes out of 237 cast. The sole candidate after the withdrawal of Martine Vassal, whose political position was weakened following her defeat in the Marseille municipal elections, the LR mayor of Salon-de-Provence won by a wide margin and opens a new chapter at the head of this strategic institution encompassing 92 municipalities and endowed with a colossal budget.

Behind this predictable election, a genuine political turning point is emerging. Nicolas Isnard has managed to unite people beyond his own camp, notably by forging an agreement with the left-wing majority in Marseille's municipal government. This pragmatic alliance could permanently redefine the balance of power within the metropolis, but also make governance more difficult to stabilize.

In his inaugural address, the new president outlined his vision: a "metropolis at the service of the mayors." He intends to break with a management style deemed too centralized by strengthening local ties, notably through the creation of "Metropolitan Houses" in the various territories. "We are compelled to make this shared house a success," he insisted, calling for closer cooperation between the municipalities and the metropolitan area.