Overview
- He said it is too early to announce a bid and emphasized staying focused on mayoral duties such as inaugurations and local projects.
- Payan identified the Rassemblement National as his principal adversary and invoked the notion of “heirs of Vichy” to condemn its ideas and allies.
- He questioned candidates who campaign while serving as parliamentarians or leading major authorities, with La Provence pointing to RN deputy Franck Allisio and Métropole president Martine Vassal as implied targets.
- He expressed regret that La France insoumise is opposing him, underscoring left‑wing tensions ahead of the municipal vote.
- La Provence reports that a candidacy still appears likely and that he is expected to declare late, potentially not before January, with the municipal elections set for March 15 and 22, 2026.