“Sophie Schwarzelected to serve all. With and for you for ten years.” This is the leaflet distributed in the mailboxes of Compiégnois by the first assistant from the town hall. A document in which she discusses the projects in which she has participated over the past decade. First as a municipal councilor from 2014, then as first deputy since 2020.
In this leaflet, the mayor Philippe Marini expresses all its gratitude “to Sophie for her daily commitment to me”. “It is for me a great chance to be able to count on his energy and his great qualities of heart,” he wrote in manuscript. He salutes the “woman of conviction, attached to family values”, “her efficiency in working tirelessly for educational success”. “Elected official available, she plays an essential role in my team as a social housing delegate,” continues the outgoing mayor.
“She pulls the blanket towards her,” says Eric de Valroger
What didn’t he write there! While we could consider this leaflet as proof of attachment to the city and its inhabitants, the members of Philippe Marini’s majority see it as an unwelcome personal initiative from Sophie Schwarz, having no other purpose than municipal elections. 2026. “I consider that this colleague pulls the cover on herself very often,” considers Eric de Valroger, security assistant. It is extremely divisive. We are a team and I think we need to keep our personal ambitions quiet. She is very much in the minority and she brings everything to herself. It’s a mistake to support her.”
Eric de Valroger, who joined the UDI, advocates an agreement for the future between the outgoing mayor, who will lead a list in 2026, and the UDI opponent Daniel Leca, in the next elections. In this scenario, Philippe Marini would take Daniel Leca on his list (the two men have become closer since 2020) and would hand over to him during his mandate. “It’s the best possible perspective,” he believes. Daniel Leca is smart. He has the networks and the build to become mayor of Compiègne. Sophie Schwarz has neither the shoulders nor the skills.”
However, in her leaflet, Sophie Schwarz does not proclaim herself as future mayor. “Indeed,” replies Eric de Valroger. But she has already expressed her desire to become mayor. The security assistant refers to this article from Oise Hebdo entitled “Sophie Schwarz, 1st deputy in Compiègne: I have the legitimacy to become mayor one day”. On April 22, she declared that she felt “legitimate” to become mayor, when Philippe Marini stops.
The first deputy takes stock of her ten years in office
In her leaflet, the first deputy recalls the redevelopment of Square de l’Echarde, as delegate of the Bellicart district (between 2014 and 2020). As well as the establishment of the educational success platform, in collaboration with National Education, intended for students at risk of dropping out of school.
“In 2020, Philippe Marini renewed his confidence in me for this new mandate by appointing me first assistant,” she continues. The first deputy notably mentions the realization of “our” (she speaks in the first person plural) campaign commitment, in this case the creation of the parents’ home. Then the implementation of “homemade” meals for city canteens (short circuit, application of the family quotient).
She concludes like this. “The trust shown to me daily for more than 10 years by the Compiégnois honors and obliges me. I am determined to go further and continue my investment in Compiègne, its model and its inhabitants.”
“A declaration of war,” says an elected official
“It’s a declaration of war with a certain number of elected officials,” considers an elected official from Philippe Marini’s majority. This is the first time in a team where we see a colleague going it alone. We can recognize him from being on the field. But from there to seeing her on the mayor’s seat, there is a huge margin.”
This elected official, however, observes: “She can proclaim herself mayor. But in his text, the mayor, candidate for his succession, only talks about Sophie Schwarz’s investment. And not a dubbing! It’s a big difference.”
This elected official notes that the first assistant does not unite much. “With this kind of initiative, she is driving a wedge with the majority.”
Saturday, November 23, “seven deputies” and several municipal councilors called each other about this leaflet. “Some even say “with her, I no longer want to be on the list of the outgoing mayor,” continues the interlocutor. But that’s another story. The boss remains and will remain the incumbent.”
