Laurent Melin

Laurent Melin is a right-wing (divers droite) candidate who recently won the mayoral election in Tulle, Corrèze, France, in March 2026. This victory is newsworthy because Tulle is considered a political stronghold ('fief') of former French President François Hollande. Melin defeated the incumbent mayor, Bernard Combes, who is associated with the left and is known to be close to Hollande. Despite an alliance of left-wing parties (PCF-LFI-Ecologistes) merging their lists to support Combes in the second round, Melin secured the win. This outcome is significant as it marks a shift in political power in Tulle, traditionally a left-leaning area, and represents a notable defeat for the outgoing mayor and his political allies.