France sees record number of mayoral resignations since 2020 elections: Report

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Nearly 2,200 mayors in France have resigned since the 2020 municipal elections, marking what experts describe as an “unprecedented” crisis in local governance, according to a report published Thursday by the Observatory of Local Democracy.

The figure represents 6% of all elected mayors and reflects a fourfold increase compared to the 2008–2014 term, Franceinfo reported.

Resignations have primarily been driven by internal tensions within municipal councils, planned transitions due to age or tenure, and deteriorating health conditions.

The study, based on national data and regional media reports, found that 71% of resignations were voluntary, with a record 613 mayors stepping down in 2023.

Most of those who resigned were either recently retired individuals over the age of 65 or first-time mayors elected in 2020, suggesting a high rate of disillusionment among newcomers.

Tensions within councils emerged as the leading cause, accounting for over 30% of voluntary resignations. These were often due to internal conflicts and disagreements, particularly within the ruling majority.

The post-COVID environment is believed to have disrupted team cohesion, creating additional pressure on local officials.

Other notable causes included mid-term handovers (13.7%) and health-related challenges. Over 80% of mayors said their role negatively impacted their health, with several citing burnout.

Despite growing public attention on violence against elected officials, the study found that such incidents rarely led to resignations. Fewer than 40 cases were linked to violence, and no direct causal link was established.

The report also found that larger communes – especially those with over 10,000 residents – recorded the highest resignation rates, while the smallest communes had the lowest proportion of departures.

Researchers warn that the ongoing wave of resignations raises concerns about the attractiveness and sustainability of the mayoral role in France. Still, they noted that civic engagement remains strong, with one in 50 citizens reportedly willing to run in municipal elections every six years.