Montpellier’s 2026 mayoral race has taken an attention-grabbing turn with Mohed Altrad, the billionaire businessman and president of Montpellier Hérault Rugby (MHR), throwing his hat into the ring once again. At 77, Altrad has officially declared his bid to become mayor, promising bold changes and a new direction for the growing southern French city.
Altrad is already well-known in Montpellier. Born in Syria and today a successful entrepreneur, he leads the Altrad Group and has deep ties to the community. He first ran for mayor in 2020, winning 18.12% of the vote in the second round, but ultimately fell short of victory.
This time around, his campaign revolves around a blend of economic ambition and socially focused policies. One of his most striking promises is to create 30,000 jobs in five years with the goal of transforming Montpellier into a “zero-unemployment city.” This initiative aims to stimulate local hiring and strengthen the city’s economy.
Altrad’s platform also includes several policies directly affecting families and everyday life. He proposes free school lunches for all children, aiming to support families financially and ensure every child gets a healthy meal. He has vowed to preserve free public transportation, a cherished benefit for residents and students alike.
Safety and quality of life are also central themes of his campaign. Altrad plans to double the municipal police force to improve security, and he has suggested a 10 p.m. curfew for minors under 16, a measure he frames as protective rather than punitive, though it has already sparked debate among local residents and political observers.
On the environmental side, he has pledged to abandon a controversial waste treatment project near the city, citing health and environmental concerns. He also advocates for improved traffic flow and greater investment in urban cleanliness.
Symbolically, Altrad has said he would donate his mayoral salary to local charities, emphasizing that his campaign is motivated by service rather than personal gain.
However, his candidacy is not without controversy. In 2022, he was convicted in a corruption case related to French rugby administration and received a suspended prison sentence and fine. He is scheduled to face a new trial on appeal in September 2026, after the municipal elections, an issue likely to be raised by critics during the campaign.
As voters in Montpellier consider their choices, Altrad’s mix of business experience and civic proposals presents a distinctive alternative to traditional political candidates, one that could reshape the city’s economic and social landscape if he wins.
