With municipal elections in March 2026 approaching, the political landscape in rural Normandy is taking shape. A survey by *Actu.fr* reveals a mix of experienced mayors seeking re-election, long-serving officials choosing retirement, and ongoing uncertainty in several key towns across the former canton of bernay. The upcoming vote will be closely watched as an indicator of the political mood in a region facing demographic and economic pressures [[2]].
As France prepares for municipal elections in March 2026, a survey of mayors across Normandy reveals a mix of incumbents seeking re-election, those stepping down, and some still undecided. The upcoming vote is being closely watched as a barometer of political sentiment in rural France, where demographic shifts and economic challenges are reshaping local governance.
Mayoral Landscape in the Former Canton of Bernay
A recent check-in with leaders in the former canton of Bernay indicates that most mayors already made decisions regarding their candidacy for the municipal elections. The first round of voting is scheduled for March 15, 2026, with a potential second round on March 22.
Several current mayors have confirmed their intention to run for another term, including Marie-Lyne Vagner (Bernay), Bruno Privé (Courbépine), André Van Den Driessche (Fontaine-l’Abbé), Guillaume Boulaye (Plasnes), Jean-Louis Vila (Plainville), Frédéric Delamare (Serquigny), and Claudine Dodelande (Valailles).
However, some are choosing to retire. Joël Descamps, the mayor of Corneville-la-Fouquetière for three terms, and his brother, Marc Descamps, the mayor of Treis-Sants-en-Ouche, also for three terms, will not be seeking re-election. Georges Mézière, mayor of Saint-Victor-de-Chrétienville since 1989, stepped down in November, having already designated his deputy, Philippe Lecœur, as his successor. The council subsequently validated the appointment of Lecœur as mayor.
Thierry Hamon, the mayor of Saint-Léger-de-Rôtes, also announced he would not seek another term, as he plans to relocate from the region.
Uncertainty Remains in Menneval
Previously, four mayors were still weighing their options: Bertrand Launay (Malouy); Françoise Canu (Menneval); Jacques Vieren (Saint-Martin-du-Tilleul); and Jim Wallart (Caorches-Saint-Nicolas). What is the situation now?
Bertrand Launay, mayor of Malouy, has decided not to run again, citing health reasons. He indicated he may appear on a list of candidates, but will not seek a position as mayor or deputy, potentially serving only as a council member if the list is successful. This marks the end of a 32-year tenure on the council.
Jacques Vieren, mayor of Saint-Martin-du-Tilleul, has made the opposite decision. “I’m running again,” he stated on December 12. His candidate list is currently being finalized and will include some new faces as certain incumbents step down.
In Menneval, the situation remains unclear. Françoise Canu has yet to make a decision. “I don’t know,” she said briefly, offering no further details but promising to announce her decision when it is made. The timing of that announcement remains uncertain.
Jim Wallart, mayor of Caorches-Saint-Nicolas, is currently unreachable. A message has been left at the town hall, but he has not yet responded.
Finally, completing this overview of the former canton of Bernay, is Philippe Lecœur, the new mayor of Saint-Victor-de-Chrétienville.
Having served as first deputy from 2020 to 2025, Philippe Lecœur was elected mayor on November 10, 2025, following the resignation of Georges Mézière. He is expected to run in March with a team that includes current members of the council.
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