Besançon PCF condemns series of municipal resignations and mayor's handling

On 31 July 2026 the Besançon branch of the Parti Communiste Français (PCF) issued a communiqué questioning two recent resignations from the municipal executive of mayor Ludovic Fagaut. The first departure, that of adjoint to Culture Annie Gauthier, was attributed publicly to serious health problems. The second, adjoint to Sports Frédéric Parisse, resigned for personal reasons after only a few months in office.

The PCF also criticised the mayor’s overall management, accusing him of failing to protect his team and of exposing officials to public scrutiny. In particular, the party denounced Guillaume Bailly, adjoint for green spaces, for what it called “dogmatic positions” and “irresponsible actions” in handling the city’s drought and flower‑watering policies. The PCF called for a debate at the next municipal council meeting in September.

The statements highlight internal tensions within the newly elected municipal majority and raise questions about the preparedness of the mayor’s deputies to manage the city’s challenges.