Martine Aubry steps down as Mayor of Lille after 24 years in office

A transition carefully planned for the city’s future

In an interview with the newspaper Le Monde, the Socialist mayor of Lille, Martine Aubry, announced her resignation effective mid-March, bringing to an end almost a quarter of a century at the head of the city. First elected in 2001, she succeeded Pierre Mauroy and was re-elected three times, leaving a lasting impact on Lille through policies focused on solidarity, culture, and urban development. “I still have energy and ideas for Lille, but it’s time to hand over to a new generation, with serenity, though not without emotion,” she said during a press conference.

This announcement comes a year before the 2026 municipal elections — a strategic decision aimed at preparing the best possible transition for her successor and stabilizing the current team. “My close circle knew I wanted to step down a year before the elections to give the new team time to organize,” she explained.

Arnaud Deslandes, a trusted successor

Martine Aubry named her first deputy, Arnaud Deslandes, as her natural successor. “We’ve worked together for twenty years. Arnaud knows the city inside out and has a great vision for its future,” she said. At 42, Arnaud Deslandes has been a key player in Lille’s major transformations, especially in urban planning and social inclusion.

An extraordinary city council meeting is expected around March 21 to formalize this succession, following the prefect’s acceptance of her resignation. “I want Arnaud to be elected mayor because he has all the skills to continue our collective work,” insisted the former Minister of Labor, who made history by introducing the 35-hour workweek reform under Lionel Jospin’s government.

Stepping down, but not stepping away from politics

Although Martine Aubry is leaving her position as mayor, she remains deeply committed to political life. “I’m not taking on new roles, but I want to keep thinking, debating, and defending leftist ideas whenever necessary,” she declared. She emphasized the need to stay vigilant in the face of the far-right threat and the social fractures dividing the country.

She also expressed her unwavering attachment to Lille and its people: “I will stay here because the people of Lille are warm and supportive, and because this city is part of my life.”

At the end of her speech, her voice filled with emotion, Martine Aubry paid tribute to her deputies and collaborators, especially Audrey Linkenheld and Roger Vicot, while wiping away a few tears: “I’m crying because of the deep affection I have for them and for everything we’ve accomplished together.”

Thus, Martine Aubry gracefully closes this chapter of her local political life, leaving behind a transformed city ready to begin a new chapter under new leadership.