Municipal elections in Toulon: after his controversial remarks concerning Laure Lavalette's daughter, Philippe Leroy, running mate of Magali Brunel, withdraws from the race

Philippe Leroy is "withdrawing" from the municipal campaign in Toulon. Magali Brunel's running mate (Toulon en commun), who was recorded without his knowledge while discussing, among other things, the disabled daughter of candidate Laure Lavalette (RN), told BFM Toulon Var on Wednesday, March 4, that he made this choice for his "safety." The city councilor described the situation as "toxic." He "reiterated" his "apologies" to the RN member of parliament for the Var region, but maintained that his remarks had been "illegally reported." He had already expressed regret that same day.

A complaint filed for death threats

In the recording, published by the far-right media outlet Frontières, Philippe Leroy, 24th on the left-wing coalition list headed by Magali Brunel (Toulon en commun), states that Laure Lavalette only "takes out" her disabled daughter "to take photos from time to time."

"The rest of the time, she leaves her in an institution. She's appalling," can also be heard.

Laure Lavalette had demanded an apology and the expulsion of Philippe Leroy. In a second phase, she also called on Olivier Faure and Marine Tondelier to "withdraw their support from these despicable individuals."

Philippe Leroy, who says he is the victim of a "death threat," announces that he will "file a complaint."

Magali Brunel says she is "sorry."

Late Wednesday afternoon, Magali Brunel, the lead candidate for Toulon en commun, expressed "her deep concern regarding the peaceful conduct of the municipal campaign" in a press release.

"They are attacking Ms. Lavalette personally and are contrary to my values of respect for the individual and family relationships," she continued. "While they in no way concern her daughter with a disability, I can understand, as a mother myself, that they may have hurt her and "I am utterly and deeply sorry."

"This is unacceptable," concluded the mayoral candidate, who also reacted to the death threats Philippe Leroy claims to have received since the release of the controversial recording: "These despicable methods must absolutely stop to allow for the necessary serenity of democratic debate. In the interest of calming tensions, I have asked Mr. Leroy to withdraw from the campaign," the statement explains.