Ecology Emerges as Key Lever for French Local Priorities Ahead of Municipal Elections

Ecology ranks second after security in French priorities According to an Ipsos survey commissioned by the Association des maires de France and relayed by Le Monde in July 2025, ecology is the second‑most important issue for voters, just behind security [2].

Water tops local investment choices A study by Elabe for Veolia (May 2025) finds that French residents place water as the number‑one priority for municipal spending, ahead of police services and road maintenance [3].

Public trust in local officials is high but resources are doubted The same Ipsos poll shows 68 % of French people trust mayors to tackle climate change and pollution, yet only 49 % believe mayors have the technical means to assess risks and make effective decisions [2].

Vast support for wastewater reuse as protective ecology A Veolia‑commissioned survey reports that 92 % of respondents would feel protected by reusing treated wastewater for public green‑space irrigation, street cleaning and local agriculture [4].

Strong backing for low‑carbon waste collection and flood systems 84 % of French citizens favor silent, decarbonised waste‑collection trucks powered by biogas and electric cargo bikes, and also approve automatic flood‑management installations [4].

Broad endorsement of local low‑carbon energy and organic fertilisers Between 86 % and 89 % of respondents back initiatives for locally produced low‑carbon energy and organic fertiliser generation, underscoring demand for sustainable municipal solutions [4].