Vincent Bouget at male-only event

A photograph of Vincent Bouget, the communist mayor of Nîmes, standing before a gathering of business leaders from the Cercle Mozart Terres du Rhône et de la Méditerranée sparked discussion last week. The event took place in Nîmes and featured an exclusively male group, as the association does not accept women in 2026, according to one of its members.

Cercle Mozart's gender policy

The Cercle Mozart Terres du Rhône et de la Méditerranée, which holds its meetings in Nîmes, has a policy that excludes women in 2026. This contrasts with the "mother house" of the Cercle in Montpellier, which has opened its doors to women. The difference in policies has raised questions about the inclusivity of the organization.

Bouget's right to attend

The question of whether Bouget, elected mayor in March, had the right to attend the event has been raised. Some suggest he should have avoided the gathering to prevent reinforcing traditional views, while others argue that he should engage with all Nîmois, including those who do not support him.

Bouget's approach to engagement

At the Lou Mas Café, Bouget was seen wearing a white glove, and a business leader present noted that his presence allowed attendees to get to know him better. This highlights his approach of understanding issues before making decisions, a strategy he has used in previous meetings with business leaders in Nîmes métropole.

Left-wing criticism of Bouget's attendance

Some on the left disagree with Bouget's attendance, arguing that the business leaders are aligned with the right and that he did not need them to win his election. During his campaign, Bouget positioned himself as a defender of women's causes, promising a city where women feel respected and seeking to reconnect with subsidies for female clubs.

Bouget's stance on gender and the future of the Cercle

While Bouget had every right to attend the meeting, some question whether an all-male circle of influence in 2026 risks becoming obsolete by excluding female talent. Bouget had previously taken a step back in July 2025, stating, "If we cannot solve the problems of the planet, we can at least grow consciousnesses..." His actions and statements reflect his ongoing efforts to address social and environmental issues.