Overview
- Bayrou formally declared his candidacy on January 18 at Pau’s Stade du Hameau, leading the "Nous aimons Pau" list.
- The incumbent faces at least six declared rivals, including Socialist Jérôme Marbot, with the left divided and separate LFI, RN and Debout la France lists also in the race.
- He is centering his campaign on municipal achievements and proposals such as intergenerational shared housing, measures to help single mothers and an evening school.
- Citing recent INSEE figures, he highlights demographic gains of roughly 5,000 residents over three years, saying Pau has again topped 80,000 inhabitants.
- In a follow-up interview, he emphasized his local roots and argued voters distinguish national politics from city management, while rejecting a commission’s criticism of his handling of the Bétharram case during his time as prime minister.