Overview
- The Alpes-Maritimes branch of Renaissance issued the endorsement under party rules that let local bureaus choose in towns under 60,000 residents.
- Renaissance demanded a clear restatement of opposition to the far right after Sarkozy told Le Figaro he was ready to work with RN and Reconquête.
- Sarkozy later said no alliance has been and will be envisaged with the RN, describing the party as his main adversary and calling for a center-right rally to defeat it.
- The candidate is also backed by Les Républicains and Horizons and is running without a party label after recently settling in Menton.
- RN deputy Alexandra Masson is regarded as the frontrunner for the mayoralty, with municipal votes scheduled for March 15 and 22 and some Renaissance members voicing dismay over the endorsement.