Municipal in Paris: Gaspard Gantzer announces that AFP will join Agnès Buzyn - France 24

Paris (AFP)

The former communicator of François Hollande, Gaspard Gantzer, announced Thursday to AFP to abandon his independent campaign in Paris and join the new LREM candidate Agnès Buzyn for the municipal elections in Paris.

"Despite my efforts, I was unable to create momentum," said Gantzer. "A new political deal has opened with the appointment of Agnes Buzyn," he added. Her support is the first to garner the new candidate from La République en Marche, who replaced the former government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux, who fell after a sex scandal.

"I want to bring my knowledge, my experience and all my energy to the campaign of Agnès Buzyn", continued the founder of "Parisiennes, Parisiens", previously credited with 1 to 2% in the voting intentions.

Among the subjects which he wishes to raise with the new candidate of LREM, and which he intends to bring into the program of Mrs. Buzyn which will be revealed on Sunday, "cleanliness, security, all that concerns daily life".

Regarding the destruction of the device, a flagship measure of its program, the former head of communications for President Hollande recognizes that "Agnès Buzyn is not as radical as (him)".

"It is always difficult on a personal level to realize that there is not enough dynamic momentum. It is a disappointment, yes, but there is no ego, you have to have the sense responsibilities, "he said.

Former classmate of Emmanuel Macron at the ENA, in charge of communication for the mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë, then of François Hollande at the Élysée, Gaspard Gantzer had been invested in Ille-et-Vilaine by En Marche during the legislative elections of 2017, but had finally given up on running.

He had created the "Parisiennes, Parisiens" movement in 2018 to conquer the town hall of Paris. A time joined by Isabelle Saporta, journalist specializing in the environment and also partner of EELV leader Yannick Jadot, the latter had finally joined the team of Cédric Villani last month.

Gaspard Gantzer was at the top of his movement's list in the 15th arrondissement, but seems to have little chance of staying there, LREM having invested another candidate.

"The constitution of the lists will be discussed in the coming days," said several sources from LREM which, like its competitors, has until February 27 to file its lists with the prefecture.

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