The Rise of David Lisnard: A Mayor in Search of National Power
David Lisnard, mayor of Cannes and rising star of the right, could join Michel Barnier's government. Aged 55, he was received this Tuesday, September 17 at Matignon, where he discussed current political issues with the Prime Minister.
Originally from Limoges, Lisnard comes from a family rooted in Cannes, where his grandparents ran a hotel. Passionate about politics from an early age, he studied at the Institute of Political Studies in Bordeaux, financing his studies with various odd jobs.
Although he is known on the national scene, Lisnard has mainly built his career at the local and regional level. Departmental councilor of the Alpes-Maritimes since 2008, he was elected mayor of Cannes in 2014. His notoriety grew when he was elected president of the Association of Mayors of France (AMF) in 2021, succeeding François Baroin.
Political Positions
David Lisnard is known for his strong positions on security and incivility. In Cannes, he has significantly strengthened the security system by increasing the number of surveillance cameras and reorganizing the municipal police. He has also committed to the fight against radical Islamism, being the first mayor to have issued an anti-burkini decree after the Nice attack in 2016.
At the same time, he has also led ecological initiatives, such as the "Here begins the sea" campaign, aimed at raising awareness of pollution in the Mediterranean, and has imposed an environmental charter on cruise ships.
During his first term, he managed to reduce Cannes' debt by 65 million euros, thus contributing to his re-election in 2020 with 88% of the vote in the first round.
Ambitions for 2027
Lisnard has long-term political ambitions, seeking to play a role in choosing the right-wing candidate for the 2027 presidential election. In a turbulent political context, he remains optimistic, saying: "I am not idle, I am not waiting."
Despite tensions within his party, particularly with Laurent Wauquiez, Lisnard is seen as a potential asset for Barnier, who could entrust him with a decentralisation ministry. His supporters believe that removing Lisnard from the government could harm the unity of the right in view of 2027.
At the end of his meeting at Matignon, Lisnard chose discretion, refusing to comment on the current situation: "Zero comment...". However, he underlines the importance of constructive political action, even in a fragile climate.
David Lisnard, with his experience and firm positions, could play a crucial role in Michel Barnier's future government, while keeping an eye on his ambitions for 2027. The coming weeks will be decisive in seeing how alliances and strategies take shape within the French right.
