Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a city in southwestern France that has recently gained attention due to the election of Christophe Barthès, a mayor from the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party. This event is newsworthy because it reflects a broader trend of the RN gaining ground in local elections, particularly in the south of France. Since taking office, Barthès has sparked controversy by removing the European Union flag from the city hall, a symbolic act criticized by opponents and even some within his own party. He has also been accused of anti-mendicancy measures and infiltrating student groups. The removal of the EU flag is part of a larger pattern of RN mayors across France taking similar actions, raising questions about their stance on European integration and their adherence to established norms. This situation highlights the growing political polarization in France and the increasing influence of the RN, one year before national elections.