Despite a general trend of incumbent mayors not seeking re-election, a dedicated group of long-serving officials are once again campaigning for municipal elections on March 15 and 22. These mayors, some first elected under Valéry Giscard d'Estaing and even Charles de Gaulle, are driven by a passion for public service, a sense of duty, and the desire to effect change in their communities, particularly in smaller towns where candidates are scarce. They cite the continuous renewal of municipal life, the satisfaction of completing projects, and an unwavering "desire to be useful" as their primary motivations. While acknowledging the increasing difficulties of the mayoral role due to complex regulations and reduced resources, these veteran leaders emphasize the commune as a vital source of stability and the mayor as a crucial point of contact for citizens.