Joël Diago, a 59-year-old insurance professional and current opposition municipal councilor in Rivesaltes, near Perpignan, has publicly denounced what he describes as "grave and repeated threats" as he campaigns for mayor in the upcoming 2026 municipal elections. Diago, who is running for the third time, claims to have faced intimidation, including dead rats and a rabbit left at his home, verbal threats stating "Your grave is dug. You are a dead man," and most recently, a car allegedly accelerating towards him. These incidents have led him to request inscription on the list of persons to be protected. While Diago is convinced these events are linked to the election, no formal complaints have been filed to date.