Marseille Mayoral Candidate Defends Use of Pétain-Era Slogan
Marseille mayoral candidate Martine Vassal defended her use of the phrase “work, family, fatherland” – a slogan historically associated with Marshal Philippe Pétain and the Vichy regime – during a televised debate on Thursday evening. The exchange occurred during a debate hosted by BFMTV in partnership with Le Figaro and La Provence.
The debate featured Vassal, incumbent Mayor Benoît Payan and candidates Franck Allisio and Sébastien Delogu. According to reports, Delogu stated he had “no regrets” regarding relationships with members of the “Jeune Garde,” a youth political group. It was during this discussion that Vassal explained her values, listing “merit, work, family, fatherland.”
Payan challenged Vassal on the historical context of the phrase, pointing out its association with Pétain. “Yes, it’s my slogan and these are my values,” Vassal reportedly responded, adding “and merit too! And work too! And family too! It is what it is… They have gone out of fashion, but I stand by my values.”
Vassal attempted to distinguish herself from Allisio, stating, “What differentiates me from Mr. Allisio is humanity.” She maintained that her values have remained consistent throughout her political career.
Allisio responded by suggesting a common ground beyond the controversial slogan, while a spokesperson for Vassal later defended her use of the phrase, stating that any perceived connection to Pétainism was a “false polemic.”
The exchange comes as the candidates prepare for the first round of the municipal election on March 15th. Recent polling data, published by Elabe/Berger-Levrault for BFMTV, La Provence, and Le Figaro on February 18th, indicates a tight race. Payan currently leads with 31% of voting intentions, closely followed by Allisio with 29%. Vassal is at 21%, and Delogu at 12%, potentially positioning both Vassal and Delogu for a second-round runoff on March 22nd.
Vassal’s previous bid for the mayoralty in 2020 ended in defeat, marking the end of 25 years of rule by Jean-Claude Gaudin. She gathered support from Renaissance, the Modem, Horizons, and LR for this election cycle, after leaving her party in 2022.
Payan was first elected mayor in 2020, following the resignation of Michèle Rubirola. He subsequently left the Socialist Party, preferring to focus on local politics. The current election is expected to be highly competitive, with LFI member Sébastien Delogu also challenging Payan for the position.
