If we count the candidates who appear on a municipal list, and those who are running for the very office of "Mayor", there are nearly a hundred of them! The vast majority belonged to the officer corps. Most of them had a career in the army and a majority came from Saint-Cyr! These facts reveal a state of mind, which pays tribute to their commitment, and gives a beautiful image of the officer's place in the Nation!

Indeed, most military candidates have reached the age of retirement when they make their decision. They could have hoped for a well-deserved rest, whereas the management of a municipality, whatever its size, is far from being a "long quiet river". One might even add that, compared to the business world, the job is not particularly remunerative, especially if one takes into account the time spent, the accumulated worries, the weight of responsibilities and the diversity of problems encountered!

The comrades who embark on this adventure are - it must be acknowledged - showing real courage, because this is an entirely new environment for a former soldier. And, in view of what we can see, read or hear in the media, whether at local or national level, although the fighting is less bloody and no doubt less dramatic than in our theatres of operations, it is no less harsh and without any concessions, as we saw in Paris .

This commitment honours the armies through their cadres. Indeed, it reveals the ability of the military, and especially officers, to "inspire" society and even play an active role in it, beyond any involvement in political quarrels. However, the municipal level, except probably in the largest conurbations, certainly remains a "man-sized" field!

The experience, generosity, sense of general interest and even of the common good, as well as the permanent consideration of the human factor of "our" candidates will be able to develop beyond internal partisan quarrels and will be unanimously appreciated.

In order to preserve their own freedom, two pitfalls must be taken into account, because they can weaken our comrades, whether as candidates or even later as elected representatives. Firstly, we must be careful not to allow ourselves to be "locked up" in our last rank, especially if we have finished our career as an officer-general. Secondly, one should think carefully before joining a political party or accepting that a party offers to join their campaign team, as there will most often be a hidden interest .

Let's just hope that the results will be commensurate with their generosity and commitment, and that this number will continue to grow, as the municipal elections come up, because a municipal mandate is also another way, different but concrete, to serve one's country!