Among the 58 sponsorships for Eric Zemmour validated on February 7 by the Constitutional Council, four were given by mayors of Meurthe-et-Moselle: Francis Vivier in Bathelémont, in Lunévillois, Serge Ventrucci in Mercy-le-Bas, in the Pays-Haut, Roland Huel in Tramont-Lassus, in Toulois, and finally Rudy Arnold, in Ognéville, in Saintois.
Sponsorship assumed
“It’s a question of democratic debate, I believe that everyone can bring their interest, their stone to the building in the debate, justifies Rudy Arnold. The 45-year-old elected official, a police officer by profession, assumes his sponsorship, although the candidate is controversial. “What does it mean to be a sovereigntist, to be a nationalist, to be patriotic at the present time? There are terms that we use that are widely overused.” The unlabeled mayor also says to himself ready to discuss it with his constituents. “If by chance [certains] wonder about my choice, my office remains open”continues Rudy Arnold.
Because even if the sponsorships are public, since 2017, many residents interviewed are stunned by the news. “I didn’t knowreacted this Ognevilloise. I am surprised to learn that he supports Eric Zemmour.” If Meurthe-et-Mosellane is suitable of the free will of its mayorhowever, she says to question his political ideas. “To my knowledge, he was not affiliated with any party, I voted for him without knowing more and perhaps our opinions would differ very strongly on certain areas.“His neighbors prefer not to discuss the subject.”We don’t want to make a fuss, the mayor does what he wants”says a retired couple.
During the last ballot, in the municipal elections, in 2021 nearly 47% of those registered did not vote in Ognéville.