Philippe Saurel, the former mayor of Montpellier, has declared his intention to run in the upcoming municipal elections, set for March, against the current mayor Michaël Delafosse who is seeking a second term. Saurel, who previously held office as a left-wing independent candidate, aims to return to politics with a campaign that distances itself from traditional party affiliations.

In the 2020 municipal elections, Saurel faced a contentious race and was ultimately defeated by Delafosse, who has solidified his position in the city. Saurel's return marks a pivotal moment in Montpellier's political landscape, as he attempts to recapture the mayoralty in a city characterized by its vibrant political battles. His announcement indicates that the upcoming election is shaping up to be highly competitive, reflecting the city's fluctuation in political loyalties and voter sentiments.

The upcoming elections are noteworthy, as Montpellier is the seventh-largest city in France, and the contest between Saurel and Delafosse is drawing considerable attention. Saurel's strategy of running