The right-wing National Rally (RN) made one of its strongest local breakthroughs in France during the first round of the country’s municipal elections yesterday.
In the vote, according to early results, the party won control of around 60 municipalities, compared with 11 in the previous municipal elections, showing its growing presence at the local level.
On the other side of the political spectrum, the far-left party La France Insoumise (LFI) and its allies have also made gains.
In Saint-Denis Department, a left-wing candidate won outright in the first round with 50.77 per cent of the vote, well ahead of the nearest competitor at 32 per cent, meaning no second round will be needed.
In Roubaix, the leading left-wing candidate received 47 per cent, putting the Left in a strong position before the run-off.
France’s municipal elections are held every six years and decide the members of city councils, who then elect the mayor.
The election uses a two-round system: Candidates that receive at least 10 per cent of the vote in the first round can stay in the race for the second round. Smaller groups can also join forces with larger ones between the two rounds.
The second round will take place on March 22. Candidates who want to compete must submit their final lists by tomorrow evening, which means parties only have a little time to decide whether to form alliances.
The elections are being closely watched because they are seen as an early political test before the 2027 presidential election.
With around 35,000 municipalities in France, the results give an important picture of each party’s local support.
Despite the political importance of the vote, turnout was low.
Estimates released after vote counting yesterday suggest that between 41 per cent and 45 per cent of registered voters did not take part, one of the highest-ever abstention rates for municipal elections.
Several large cities remain very competitive before the second round.
In Marseille, the Left is currently leading with 36 per cent, closely followed by the National Rally at 35 per cent, pointing to a very tight race.
In Paris, the Left is clearly ahead. The main left-wing parties, though, say they do not want to form an alliance with LFI for now, which could influence the final result.
Without a possible alliance between conservative candidate Rachida Dati (LR) and right-wing figure Sarah Knafo (Reconquête), the Right is unlikely to challenge the Left in the capital.
The coming days will therefore be decisive, as parties negotiate alliances that could shape the final results when voters return to the polls on March 22.
