The story parodies political campaigns in general, and perhaps especially the French presidential election of 1974, date of publication of this story. This is the second time Vitalstatistix is challenged by a contender to the leadership of the village, and the first time the Gauls of the village are shown electing leaders as if in democracy; except, the leader has no fixed term and retains leadership until challenged; potentially until death. Also, this story has one of the only few scenes we see Asterix using his sword in a fight.