Former French rugby star Serge Blanco wins bid for Biarritz mayor

Serge Blanco, a legendary French rugby player, won the mayoral election in Biarritz on Sunday, marking his entry into politics in the coastal southwestern town where he built his athletic legacy. Blanco attributed his victory to voters' desire for leadership that speaks "from the heart" and shows respect. The result represents a notable shift for the Basque region, where a sports icon with no previous political experience has now taken the helm of a significant seaside municipality. Blanco's appeal appears to rest on his reputation and personal connection to Biarritz rather than a traditional political platform. His win reflects a broader European trend of prominent athletes leveraging name recognition to enter local politics.