Mar 8 • 09:08 UTC 🇫🇷 France Le Figaro

"It's hard to hate him": nostalgia for the Balkany era looms over the municipal elections in Levallois-Perret

In Levallois-Perret, former mayor Patrick Balkany, convicted of serious corruption, is attempting to maintain influence in the municipal elections by supporting candidate Mounia Inoughi amid mixed feelings from the local population.

In Levallois-Perret, a city once dominated by the controversial figure of Patrick Balkany, nostalgia for his leadership persists as the municipal elections loom. Balkany, who has been sentenced to ten years of ineligibility for aggravated money laundering and tax fraud, continues to influence the local political landscape through his chosen successor, Mounia Inoughi. Despite his legal troubles, a segment of the population expresses admiration for his past achievements, while others criticize the current political climate as 'ridiculous'.

The local headquarters of "Génération Balkany" features a striking retro design, capturing the attention of residents as Balkany himself remains a central figure in the campaign. Reflected in his smoky glasses is the city he governed for three decades, now under the stewardship of Agnès Pottier-Dumas, whom he had previously handpicked as his successor. The ongoing presence of Balkany in the political arena raises questions about the dynamics of loyalty and legacy within local politics.

As Inoughi campaigns alongside Balkany, the mixed sentiments among the residents underscore a broader dialogue about political accountability and the complexities of public sentiment in the face of corruption. Many view the continued influence of Balkany as a testament to his lasting legacy, while others are vocal about their desire for change, further complicating the electoral landscape in Levallois-Perret.

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