Marine Tondelier, national secretary of the Ecologists, advocated for strategic voting during her visit to Dijon on March 3, 2026. She supported Michel Haberstrau, a candidate leading the “Dijon Change Era” list. This coalition comprises the historic ecological party, the French Communist Party, and other groups.
Advocacy for Local Agriculture
During her visit, Tondelier highlighted the importance of food security, stating that children cannot feel safe if they go to school hungry. The day included a visit to the BHV for a protest against a Shein retail space, a distribution of flyers around the Halles, and a vegetarian lunch debate focusing on food issues.
Key figures in the discussion included Olivier Bourgeot, President of the Côte-d’Or Organic Farmers Association, and Antoine Barré-Foncelle, a restaurant manager. They emphasized the benefits of local organic agriculture.
Statistics on Organic Farming
- 90% of people appreciate local farmers.
- Various local initiatives aim to increase organic produce availability.
- Proposed solutions include semi-industrial tools for food transformation.
Bourgeot mentioned that local production could eliminate the need for imports, sharing personal anecdotes about family farming. He suggested expanding organic farming to make it more accessible.
The “Dijon Change Era” Campaign Strategy
Michel Haberstrau pointed out the need for awareness among consumers regarding local products and agricultural practices. He proposed initiatives like a vegan day in school cafeterias to promote local organic eating habits.
Marine Tondelier also addressed the “green ordinance” from Strasbourg, which offers weekly organic and local food baskets to pregnant women, injecting approximately €650,000 into local agriculture. Such efforts have inspired similar initiatives in other regions.
Civic Engagement and Community Support
Discussion participants stressed the importance of supporting local businesses. Barré-Foncelle called for better management of tourist zones that currently benefit neither farmers nor residents. Tondelier echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for courage in implementing effective economic policies.
Political Climate and Voter Sentiment
Tondelier expressed pride in forming broad coalitions in Dijon, despite challenges posed by other parties preferring independent lists. She views the collective effort as a chance to offer a useful voting option in the first round of elections.
Her campaign emphasizes that voting for ecological policies indirectly supports citizens’ health and safety. Tondelier argued that security encompasses not only physical safety but also food security and environmental health.
Conclusions and Future Goals
Tondelier advocates for a comprehensive approach to security: social, environmental, and physical. The “Dijon Change Era” initiative aims to resonate with voters seeking a credible and serious alternative that remains uncompromised by mainstream political alliances.
As the election approaches, the focus remains on uniting diverse groups under common goals to improve the quality of life in Dijon and ensure that ecological principles guide local policies.
