UDMF to Field Candidates in Vénissieux Municipal Elections 2026
Vénissieux, France, January 12, 2026 – The Union of French Muslim Democrats (UDMF) has officially announced its intention to present a list of candidates for the upcoming municipal elections in 2026 in Vénissieux, a commune located in the Lyon metropolitan area. This move is part of the party’s broader strategy to contest elections in only two French cities, focusing its resources on specific areas.
Nagib Azergui, founder and vice-president of the UDMF, stated on Friday that the party aims to “defend your freedoms, protect your rights, and carry a free, dignified, and determined political voice.” This announcement was made via a message on X (formerly Twitter), launching their annual membership campaign. Azergui emphasized the strategy to “concentrate resources” to reach the second round of elections, which requires securing 10% of the votes.
Farid Omeir to Lead the UDMF List in Vénissieux
In Vénissieux, a traditional Communist stronghold in the Lyon suburbs, Farid Omeir, the president of the UDMF, will lead the party’s list. Vénissieux is known for facing significant challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and drug trafficking. The incumbent Communist mayor, Michèle Picard, is also seeking re-election and is campaigning for a united left-wing front with environmentalists at the metropolitan level. The political landscape in Vénissieux is further complicated by the entry of a LFI (La France Insoumise) list, led by local deputy Idir Boumertit, leading to an unprecedented fragmentation of the left.
UDMF’s Platform and Goals
Founded in 2012, the UDMF currently boasts nearly 800 members and aims to reach 1,300 this year. The party participated in the last European elections as part of a “Free Palestine party” coalition, garnering less than 15,000 votes. According to its website, the UDMF defines itself as “the left-wing movement combining ethics and politics to reaffirm our republican motto of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.”
Azergui clarified that the party’s focus is on “popular neighborhoods.” While rejecting the term “communitarianism,” he openly stated that the UDMF seeks to “defend Muslims,” whom he describes as a politically “orphaned population,” despite past overtures from all left-wing parties. Azergui expressed his frustration that Muslims are “considered as separate citizens” and believes that outsiders cannot genuinely represent them on issues such as Islamophobia.
Future Expansion and Local Impact
Beyond Vénissieux and Nanterre, Azergui hinted at the possibility of announcing additional lists in other regions, particularly in the Hauts-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, within the next month. The UDMF’s entry into the Vénissieux elections is expected to add another layer of complexity to the local political dynamics, potentially reshaping alliances and electoral outcomes in this key suburban area of Lyon.
The upcoming municipal elections in 2026 will be a crucial test for the UDMF, as it seeks to establish itself as a significant political force representing the interests of the Muslim community in France.
Source: actu.fr
