________________________________________________________________ Maxime Rodier Wins Upset Victory in La Valois ________________________________________________________________Maxime RodierFollowing the general election, UpL challenger for the mayor's office in La Valois, Maxime Rodier captured headlines as he pulled off a surprise victory against incumbent Republican mayor Jacques Coreau. While lagging behind at over 10% of polls in the beginning of the race three months ago, Rodier has used his famous pledge of forging La Valois into 'the richest city in Lourenne', proposing policies such as a free trade zone, construction of a global airport and freight port, as well as a new urban regeneration initiative.
Campaign banner for Maxime RodierWhile the nation was surprised at La Valois, national results was less than exciting as the UpL continued its parliamentary majority, as well as retaining the mayorship in the capital city. In face of these encouraging results, party leader Ingrid Boudet reaffirmed her line to a leftward drift of the party to further the values of 'equality and fraternity' in Lourenne. However, with Maxime Rodier becoming a political star, some suspect that she may face her first serious challenger, that the party may for the first time, see a truly contested leadership between the two. However, many commentators have pointed out that as long as the electoral fortunes of UpL remain well, Boudet will remain in the helm as well.