Martine Aubry Steps Down as Lille Mayor After 24 Years, Endorses Successor

The long-serving socialist leader announces her resignation effective mid-March, backing Arnaud Deslandes to take over ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.

Martine Aubry, mayor of Lille since 2001, has announced her resignation, effective mid-March, after 24 years in office and 30 years as an elected official.
In a press conference, the 74-year-old expressed her desire to pass leadership to a younger generation while reflecting on her tenure transforming Lille into a cultural and economic hub.
Aubry has endorsed her first deputy, Arnaud Deslandes, as her successor and urged the municipal council to elect him, positioning him for the 2026 mayoral race.
Other candidates for the upcoming Lille mayoral election include socialist Roger Vicot, ecologist Stéphane Bally, and former Aubry cabinet director Violette Spillebout, now aligned with President Macron's party.
Despite stepping down from all political roles, Aubry stated she will remain active in shaping leftist ideas but ruled out pursuing any personal political ambitions.

Le Figaro

Le Journal du Dimanche