The first round of France’s municipal elections has seen significant gains for far-right party National Rally (RN) and radical left La France Insoumise (LFI), suggesting increased popularity ahead of next year’s presidential election. The results, which will determine the final candidates in each city, show that both parties are likely to expand their local presence.
Traditionally dominant parties like Socialists on the left and Les Républicains on the right have seen a decline in influence, with new players entering the scene. La France Insoumise’s Jean-Luc Mélenchon is expected to make a fourth bid for presidency next year, while Marine Le Pen will also be vying for top spot.
The LFI scored high in northern towns and cities like Roubaix and Toulouse, mobilizing young voters and winning over many with its radical left policies. The RN, which has traditionally struggled in local elections, showed a surprising resurgence in southern cities like Marseille and Nice, where Franck Allisio scored equally well as the incumbent mayor.
In these upcoming run-offs, alliances and coalitions will be crucial in determining the outcome. The LFI will aim to form an “anti-fascist front” to counter the RN’s rise, while other parties will also try to capitalize on their gains.
France’s second-largest city, Marseille, is set for a tense final-round runoff, with the RN candidate Franck Allisio locked in a battle against the incumbent mayor. The outcome of these elections will have significant implications for next year’s presidential election and France’s political landscape.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/15/french-local-elections-first-round-results