Aurélie Assouline, a member of Les Républicains (LR) and deputy for the 17th arrondissement of Paris, has decided to join forces with Sarah Knafo in her campaign for the upcoming municipal elections. In an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche, Assouline expressed her commitment to running as the head of the list in her district, indicating a significant political shift in the Parisian landscape. This move reflects the growing influence of Knafo, who leads the zemmouriste faction of the party.

Assouline's decision to support Knafo is particularly noteworthy as it pits her against the current mayor of the 17th arrondissement, Geoffroy Boulard, whom she previously served under. Boulard is aligned with Rachida Dati, another prominent member of the LR party, who is vying for the central mayoralty in Paris. This internal conflict illustrates the divisions within LR as they navigate their candidates for the municipal elections, raising questions about party unity and electoral strategies.

The implications of this shift are profound, as it not only reshapes the race in the 17th arrondissement but also signals a potential realignment of voter support in Paris. Assouline’s loyalty to her political family remains intact despite her choice to back Knafo, and her candidacy indicates a challenge to the traditional power structures within the LR in Paris. The outcome of this race could affect broader dynamics within the party and influence the direction of political discourse in the upcoming elections.