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Sens Gears Up for 2026 Municipal Elections: Mathieu Bittoun Leads Progressive Charge
As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated municipal elections in Sens, France, scheduled for March 2026, the political landscape is heating up. With candidacies steadily emerging, the city is abuzz with discussions about its future. A significant new player has joined the race, promising a fresh perspective focused on community welfare and environmental stewardship.
Sens Écologie et Solidarité Enters the Fray
The political scene in Sens has just become more diverse with the official announcement of a third left-leaning list, ‘Sens Écologie et Solidarité.’ This group, currently a strong voice in the municipal opposition, has unveiled its formidable leader: Mathieu Bittoun. A 49-year-old municipal councillor, Bittoun was chosen through an internal vote to spearhead their campaign for the elections on March 15 and 22, 2026.
While Bittoun leads the charge, the full roster of ‘Sens Écologie et Solidarité’ remains open, inviting broader community participation. Echoing the themes from the 2020 campaign, their platform is robustly centered on social measures and unwavering commitment to sustainable development – a critical focus for the future of Sens.
A Vision for Justice, Health, and Sustainability
Mathieu Bittoun articulated several key proposals designed to foster social justice, enhance community health, and promote ecological resilience within Sens. Among their compelling ideas are:
- 100% Organic & Local School Canteens: A cornerstone of their platform is the establishment of school canteens offering entirely organic and locally sourced food. Bittoun champions this as a measure combining social justice, nutrition, and health benefits for the city’s youth.
- Reforming Public Service Tariffs: The list proposes working with the agglomeration community to introduce free initial cubic meters of water. Bittoun notes, “We’ve raised this issue before without being heard,” highlighting their determination to address fundamental public utility access.
- Enhanced Energy Renovation: A commitment to significantly increase energy renovation efforts for public buildings, reducing carbon footprint and improving efficiency across Sens.
- Expanded Green Mobility: Plans to expand the network of cycle paths and enhance public transport options, promoting healthier and more sustainable commuting for residents.
- Access to Healthcare: Recognizing healthcare as a critical concern, Bittoun states, “We believe it’s essential to seriously explore creating a communal health center, as some of our neighbours have successfully done.”
- Improved Accessibility: The team also focuses on mobility and accessibility, especially for families with young children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Bittoun questions current city renovation choices, such as the use of cobblestones, which can impede accessibility in the city centre.
Bittoun firmly believes these proposals are not only transformative but also perfectly “reasonable” from a financial standpoint, ensuring a responsible approach to city governance.
The Race for Sens: Other Contenders
Sens Écologie et Solidarité joins an already dynamic field. Earlier announcements include a list from La France Insoumise (LFI), led by school teacher Jérôme Thiriet, and the ‘Unir Sens’ group, a coalition bringing together the Communist Party, Socialist Party, Place Publique, and engaged citizens. This indicates a vibrant, multi-faceted contest, reflecting diverse aspirations for Sens’s future. The Yonne region, in general, is seeing an influx of candidates and incumbent mayors declaring their intentions, setting the stage for a compelling election cycle.
Citizens of Sens are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as the various lists present their visions for the city’s future. The 2026 municipal elections promise to be a pivotal moment for local democracy and community development in the region.
