Between political maneuvering and security issues, the municipal campaign has not left much room for the substance and everyday issues of the people of Marseille. Culture is nevertheless an essential issue for Marseille, a city with 111 villages and a multicultural population. It is through events, cultural venues, and creativity that the city comes together.
However, the two main candidates have refused to present their cultural projects to the press, preferring debates on political posturing. Here is a summary of the promises made by each candidate regarding culture for the 2026 municipal elections in Marseille.
Benoît Payan:
In the 125-page program of the Printemps Marseillais, culture holds a significant chapter with numerous proposals. It includes the reappropriation of several cultural venues like the Dock des Suds, Château Pastré, the renovation of the Opera, and the Palais Carli. The candidate also envisions the creation of new cultural spaces including a large auditorium in the Rabateau and Sainte-Marguerite neighborhoods, as well as an arena in Gèze. Benoît Payan has, however, declined interview requests to elaborate on these projects, including the future of the Dôme and the aging Palais des Sports.
The culture sector will benefit from additional funding in the municipal budget to encourage creation and “defend artistic diversity,” whether for cultural venues, companies, festivals, or municipal activities around libraries and community centers in different neighborhoods. Benoît Payan’s project also includes transforming part of the Centre Bourse into a cultural, scientific, and leisure hub.
There are no major events announced, but the focus is on enhancing the heritage and history of Marseille through the classification of more historic sites or “memory trails.”
Martine Vassal:
The right-wing candidate also presents a comprehensive cultural program for Marseille, including a vast renovation plan for all cultural venues, such as the Opera, Toursky, and the Théâtre du Gymnase. She also proposes a museum plan that would organize major exhibitions in partnership with other international institutions.
Regarding major events, Martine Vassal aims for more cultural events in the heart of the city, especially focusing on street arts and contemporary art. She suggests that the city should become a candidate for the 2035 World Exposition. Martine Vassal also proposes creating a “City of Environmental and Marine Sciences.”
Franck Allisio:
In Franck Allisio’s brief program for Marseille, the place of culture is addressed. Among his 12 points for Marseille, the far-right candidate proposes four actions, including the creation of three major cultural and popular events to promote Marseille and its residents.
He also plans to renovate the Centre Bourse and give more importance to the Museum of History of Marseille. Franck Allisio wants to establish a library in each district, but he also aims to control the content of the books to combat ideological intrusion, wokism, and gender theory.
Lastly, Franck Allisio intends to establish a museum for the Olympique de Marseille and one for the Marins-Pompiers, if considered part of culture.
.jpeg "Iran")
