“I am a child of the Republic”: interview with Bally Bagayoko, mayor of Saint-Denis
A municipal victory claimed as political
In this interview given to Oumma, Bally Bagayoko looks back on his election as mayor of Saint-Denis in the first round, which he presents as the culmination of field work undertaken for several years. He insists on a strategy focused on working-class neighborhoods, young people and abstainers, considering abstention not as a handicap but as a political opportunity.
A journey anchored in Saint-Denis
Bally Bagayoko talks about his personal history: son of Malian parents, from a large family, he grew up in Saint-Denis, a city that he claims to be central in his construction. He recalls his sporting, associative, professional and political commitment, as well as his experience as a local elected official since 2001.
Racism, media and representation
The mayor denounces the forms of racism that he says he has encountered in his personal, professional and political life. He also criticizes certain media, particularly those he associates with the far right, accused of contempt, caricature and a desire to destabilize him.
Housing, unsanitary conditions and social justice
A large part of the interview concerns the housing crisis in Saint-Denis. Bagayoko accuses the State of having insufficiently invested in public housing and denounces unsanitary situations. He defends the organization of tenants, pressure on landlords and a housing policy thought of as a common good.
Security: local municipal police
Asked about security, he clearly distinguishes national police and municipal police. He defends a local municipal police force, not thought of as a substitute force for the State. In particular, he announces his opposition to the renewal of LBDs and pleads for a local doctrine discussed with residents and agents.
Education and prevention
For Bally Bagayoko, the response to delinquency begins with education, prevention and support for young people. He criticizes school exclusions, which he sees as a form of abandonment, and insists on the need to prevent young people from being attracted by the “street industry”.
Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and Palestine
The mayor affirms his Muslim identity while rejecting the amalgamations between Islam, Islamism and the defense of Palestine. He also refutes accusations of anti-Semitism targeting La France insoumise, believing that criticizing the Israeli government is a humanist position and international law.
2027 and popular unity
Finally, Bally Bagayoko projects towards 2027. It defends a left-wing dynamic around Jean-Luc Mélenchon, centered on working-class neighborhoods, rural areas and abstentionists. For him, the fight against the far right requires popular mobilization, political education and the reconstruction of collective hope.
