Claude Laateb, a former professional footballer and businessman, has been elected mayor of Lodève, a commune in the Hérault department of southern France. The election results were confirmed following the second round of the 2026 French municipal elections.
Laateb's career began in professional football, where he played as a defender for clubs including Montpellier HSC and FC Sète. He later transitioned into the business world, founding and managing companies in the transport and logistics sector.
Running as an independent candidate, Laateb focused his campaign on local economic development, revitalizing the town center, and improving public services. His victory marks a significant shift in the town's political leadership.
The new mayor is expected to form his municipal council and begin implementing his program in the coming weeks. His election is seen as part of a broader trend of non-traditional candidates entering local politics in France.
