In a heated televised debate broadcast on BFMTV, Martine Vassal, the center-right candidate for the mayoralty of Marseille, controversially acknowledged the resemblance between her values and those historically associated with Marshal Pétain's regime in Vichy France. This admission occurred as she defended her stance amidst sharp exchanges with current mayor Benoît Payan of the Printemps marseillais party, and other candidates including Franck Allisio from the RN-UDR and Sébastien Delogu from LFI.

The debate, featuring discussions on various political views and alliances, turned notably intense as Benoît Payan took the opportunity to challenge Vassal on her ideological alignment. He pointed out the implications of her alignment with Pétain’s motto "Travail, famille, patrie," which has become a contentious symbol in French history. This moment raises critical questions about the current political climate in Marseille, particularly how historical legacies may influence modern political identities and electoral strategies.

With the first round of voting approaching in three weeks, Vassal's comments could have significant repercussions on her campaign and the perception of her party within the electorate. The controversy surrounding her association with Pétain’s phrase could alienate some voters while resonating with others who may share similar traditional values. The outcome will likely hinge on how effectively each candidate, particularly Vassal and Payan, can navigate these charged historical allusions in their political messaging.