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Cédric Villani, candidate for the inauguration of La République en Marche for the elections municiplaes in Paris, during a campaign rally on July 4, 2019. CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFP

At nine months of the municipal elections, the young presidential party of Emmanuel Macron, The Republic in motion, does not want to miss its local presence. Forty candidates have been invested in recent days, but complex cases are far from clear. Especially in the largest French cities.

" Unfortunately, there are only problem cities ," sighs an En Marche leader. With a special price for Marseille, where it's the big question mark. Candidates emerge, but none convince Emmanuel Macron, according to one of his lieutenants " he is waiting for proposals. "

In Lyon, the battle rages between former minister Gérard Collomb, who has regained his seat as mayor, and his former runner-up David Kimelfeld. Both seek presidential dowry.

The Republic in motion also hesitates in Lille where two women want the investiture, until the Minister Gérald Darmanin reveals his game.

Another big city where the party has made a choice is Bordeaux. The ERM will present its own candidate, even to offend his ally MoDem, which supports the outgoing right-wing mayor, a juppéiste. This causes some tension in the majority.

As for Paris, part of Macronie doubts more and more of the candidacy of former minister Benjamin Griveaux. The deputy Cédric Villani has become a serious competitor . The nomination commission is expected to decide next week, Tuesday, July 9. Behind the scenes, many push the Prime Minister Édouard Philippe to introduce himself.