Evelyne Ternant and Emmanuel Michaud are gearing up for a fiercely contested legislative by-election in Jura, set for March 30, 2025. With differing political backgrounds and visions for the future, their campaigns highlight the complexities of local governance in contemporary France.
On Thursday, March 13, Ternant, representing the Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP), arrived at the Saint-Claude station on the 9 a.m. train from Andelot-en-Montagne, via Morez. Accompanied by numerous sympathizers, her mission is clear: advocate for social justice and promote environmental transition. Ternant’s approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Hirondelles railway line, which she believes is crucial for reducing automobile dependence and enhancing rural mobility. "The maintenance of the Hirondelles line as a daily service is essential," she stated, underscoring how vital public transport is to her constituents.
The Bourgogne Franche-Comté Region appears to back her claims, allocating an additional 50 million euros for urgent infrastructure work on such local service lines, stacking up to 80 million euros total. As she rallies support, Ternant also looks to negotiate a more significant commitment from the State regarding railway operations, with decisions expected later in the summer.
However, Ternant’s campaign is not limited to transportation issues; she is acutely aware of the local job market's fragility, particularly with the ongoing negotiations surrounding the sale of the GMD group, which includes the volatile Eurostyle Systems factory in Molinges. "I will do everything to ensure that Pierre-Edouard Stérin does not take over the GMD subcontractor," she emphasized, pledging to push for nationalization if a viable private project does not emerge. Ternant's candidacy has gained support from a coalition of left-wing forces, with backing from allies like La France Insoumise and the Socialist Party, promoting a unified leftist front as they head into the election.
On the other side of the political spectrum stands Emmanuel Michaud, 51, running as an independent but aligned with two conservative factions: the Union des Droites (UDR) and the far-right Rassemblement National (RN). With deep roots in Saint-Claude as an artisan and reservist gendarme, Michaud’s political ambitions were inspired by his grandfather’s Gaullist principles. Yet over time, he shifted towards right-wing populism, supporting the RN before finding his current place within the UDR. "I am presenting myself without a label, but in truth, I have two labels: UDR and RN," he confessed.
His campaign strategy revolves around a distinctly local focus, championing issues such as health care, education, agriculture, and public safety, which he claims should be at the forefront of political agendas. Even as he positions himself as an outsider in the race against the incumbent, Marie-Christine Dalloz (LR), Michaud remains loyal to her, expressing that he still sees her as “Madame la députée.” While facing pressure to withdraw from the race—claims he openly acknowledges, stating he is under "numerous pressures"—Michaud insists he is determined to complete his campaign.
Michaud’s approach is indeed unconventional, leaning towards an independent narrative amidst a landscape dominated by national political figures. His intent to win is unmistakable, as he stated, "I cannot say for which candidate I would recommend my votes in the second round, as my aim is to secure over 50% in the first round." His unwavering focus on local matters aims to resonate with the electorate who have grown weary of political squabbling.
The political engagement of both Ternant and Michaud underscores the significance of this election in Jura. The election not only represents the clash of contrasting ideologies—progressive versus conservative—but also highlights the critical need for voters to make informed choices about their future.
Ternant is also set to participate in a rally for equality and against racism on March 22, 2025, at Place de l’Abbaye in Saint-Claude, demonstrating her commitment to broader social issues while emphasizing community mobilization. In contrast, Michaud's undercurrents of local-centric conservatism challenge the current political norms, thrusting local concerns to the forefront as pressing issues.
As the election day approaches, all eyes will be on Jura, with the outcomes not only determining local representation but potentially shaping broader political narratives in upcoming elections. With voters invited to weigh in on critical local issues, the March 30 election will be an essential moment for both candidates—and the communities they aim to serve.
