Europe19 March, 20262 min read
Hittler and Zielinski Face Off in Arcis-sur-Aube Mayoral Run-Off
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Charles Hittler is the incumbent mayor of Arcis-sur-Aube. Antoine Renault-Zielinski is the rival candidate in the runoff.
Election Overview
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. 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%.
“In Arcis-sur-Aube, in the Aube department, the first round of municipal elections produced a singular configuration: a triangular race that notably pits a Hittler against a Zielinski, reports Le Figaro. Names whose sound evokes, for one, the Nazi dictator, and for the other, the current Ukrainian president.”
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.
Hittler's 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."
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.
Zielinski's Profile
Antoine Renault-Zielinski, Hittler's main opponent, brings a different political background and perspective to the race. 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.
“While Charles Hittler leads a centre-right list in Arcis-sur-Aube, his Zielinski opponent is in the far-right Patriot movement.”
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.
Public Reaction
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!"
"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.
