The small island commune of Molène, located in the Finistère department of France, has reported that it will not participate in the first round of municipal elections due to a complete lack of candidates. The announcement was made by the sub-prefect of Brest, highlighting a troubling trend for small communes across the country. Despite efforts, including a last-chance public meeting held on February 19, no residents were willing to run for the local council.

This situation arises amid recent changes to the electoral system in France for municipalities with populations under 1,000, which require a minimum of nine candidates for a valid election list, which must also include a certain number of women. The inability to find candidates in Molène reflects broader challenges faced by many small towns in France, often characterized by aging populations and a lack of engagement in local politics. This failure to form a council not only threatens local governance but also raises concerns about the future functionality of the community.

The absence of candidates thus marks a significant moment for Molène, as the last village to have a sitting mayor, Didier Delhalle, left to pursue another opportunity. With no elections to be conducted, the governance gap raises questions about the future democratic processes in these small enclaves. This scenario may lead to further regulatory discussions on how to encourage candidacies in rural areas and ensure that these municipalities have representation, vital for their development and sustainability.