Karfa Diallo is withdrawing from the mayoral seat after a short election campaign

Karfa Diallo is withdrawing from the mayoral seat after a short election campaign

After just three weeks, Karfa Diallo, the young regional councilor of the Greens who started the 2026 local elections in Bordeaux as a “diversity candidate”, surprisingly withdrew his candidacy. Loud Le Figaro Diallo explains that personal reasons and an increasing concern about the political division of the left forces led him to take this step. He is worried about the looming threat of the extreme right in politics, and he doesn't want his candidacy to contribute to that.

“It was not an easy decision, but it was necessary,” Diallo said in a statement, in which he also pointed out that there was a lack of financial and human resources to conduct a campaign in line with his beliefs. He emphasizes that his resignation detracts from his political commitment, but not from his values.
The Green also faces intense pressure, particularly from his own group in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional council. This leads to the realization that in certain situations he must have the courage to say “stop” – to take responsibility for his own health and that of his family.

A look at the political landscape

Diallo is not the first to get caught up in such a vortex. When he first applied for the mayor's office in 2001, the political situation looked more favorable. Today, 25 years later, he feels that the electorate is disillusioned and the political climate has deteriorated greatly. He has even experienced racist attacks in the political debate, which increases the challenge of his commitment.

Karfa Diallo doesn't want to neglect the other side either: "My withdrawal is not a withdrawal from political and civic activity," he clarifies. This means he remains an active member of society, even if he is not currently planning to run for office.

Promote diversity in politics