Hittler and Zielinski Face Off in Arcis-sur-Aube Mayoral Run-Off

The French commune of Arcis-sur-Aube is experiencing a peculiar mayoral race that has captured international attention due to the unusual names of the leading candidates.

“The small town of Arcis-sur-Aube experienced a second round that was almost comical, with an outgoing mayor named Hittler and a candidate named Zielinski”

24 Heures

In the first round of municipal elections, outgoing mayor Charles Hittler led with 37.81% of the vote, followed by Annie Soucat at 32.20% and Antoine Renault-Zielinski at 29.99%.

24 Heures

The triangular race for this commune of approximately 2,800 inhabitants has generated significant interest not only for the political competition but also for the onomastic curiosities that evoke historical figures and current events.

The election is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026, with the commune historically marked by the 1814 battle during Napoleon's French campaign.

Charles Hittler, the incumbent mayor leading the centre-right list 'Let's act together for Arcis,' has adopted a pragmatic approach to the attention surrounding his surname.

He stated, "Personally, it doesn't make me laugh, but it doesn't bother me either. It would be better if people were talking about Arcis for other reasons, but at least we're on the map."

BBC

Hittler emphasized that "People look at the person behind the name. To my familiars, I was just 'Monsieur Charles'. So I decided to keep it."

His political program focuses on "the links between residents and their security," positioning himself as a continuity candidate in the commune's governance.

Antoine Renault-Zielinski, Hittler's main opponent, brings a different political background and perspective to the race.

“A municipal election in a small town in France has gone viral after its candidates, Charles Hittler and Antoine Renault-Zielinski, ran for mayor”

EWN

The 28-year-old customs officer recently arrived in Arcis is affiliated with the far-right Patriot movement and has capitalized on his distinctive name to gain attention.

Zielinski has had to repeatedly clarify that despite his surname's resemblance to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he is not related to him, explaining that "the Polish name ends in an 'i' and the Ukrainian in a 'y'."

His political platform promotes "rural tourism, authentic and respectful of the territories," positioning himself as a dynamic entrepreneur offering a fresh vision for the commune's future.

The unusual nature of this electoral contest has generated significant social media buzz and public fascination, with both candidates acknowledging the international attention their names have attracted.

Zielinski initially dismissed the online chatter as "just a silly joke" but later recognized the widespread interest, stating, "But gradually I realised that everyone is talking about us!"

The Daily Caller

"I can see why people find it amusing."

The third candidate, Annie Soucat, who positioned herself on "building the future," remains in the running for the second round, adding another dimension to this already politically intriguing race in a commune where the far-right National Rally performs strongly in national elections.