Former running mate of Gérard Larrat and likely 1st deputy if the outgoing mayor had won, Gilles Icher has published a lengthy statement on social media expressing his desire to continue his political action with others after the municipal elections of March 2026 in Carcassonne.
It took time to digest the defeat of the outgoing right-wing mayor, Gérard Larrat. Different personalities who were involved in the campaign are already reflecting on the aftermath before the installation of the new municipal council on Sunday, March 29 at 10 a.m. This includes Gilles Icher, a running mate of Gérard Larrat and likely 1st deputy if the mayor had won.
In a long statement published on his social networks, the former public figure who had withdrawn from public life sixteen years ago reflects on the electoral campaign months. “I got involved with pleasure and passion in this campaign. Several months ago, we made a choice, to associate ourselves with the outgoing mayor and respond favorably to his proposal. I do not regret this choice. I could have fought accompanied by many friends, I was ready. We were prepared,” he details. He explains that he preferred unity over division between moderate right-wing and center sensitivities: “We chose union and gathering after long discussions with multiple declared or potential candidates. Unfortunately, this work did not bear fruit and the result is far from our hopes for reasons that I will not dwell on and that many share.”
The former sports deputy of Raymond Chesa also reflects on the tumultuous week between the two rounds marked by the extended hand of the United Left candidate, Alix Soler-Alcaraz, to the two right-wing candidates: Francois Mourad and Gérard Larrat. This proposed republican coalition was accepted by the latter but rejected by his former collaborator who chose to go solo. “I simply regret that the single second-round candidacy, that of gathering for a simple duel, could not, for various reasons, be established. Even though many examples close to us, like in Sète, Tarbes, Nîmes, or Avignon, show us that a triangular situation does not necessarily lead to defeat.”
After the rout of the mayor, Gilles Icher looks towards the future, emphasizing that “a new political era is looming for our city.” “On our part, we will more than ever, many of us, continue our action. We will be constructive and vigilant opponents. With one goal. To serve Carcassonne and to unite.”
He is laying the foundation for a new political adventure, “to build a different future. We will come back to you in the coming months to specify the details. The coming months will reveal what this entails.”
