Local Elections Begin Across France
France has commenced voting in the first round of local elections, regarded as a significant gauge of the political climate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The elections for mayors and councillors are taking place in 35,000 villages, towns, and cities nationwide. These votes primarily address local concerns such as security, housing, and waste management, distinguishing them from national elections.
However, the two-round voting process held on consecutive Sundays—especially in larger towns and cities—is being closely analyzed for insights into party strategies and alliances within France’s increasingly fragmented political landscape prior to the presidential race.
Political Context and Presidential Prospects
President Emmanuel Macron’s two terms conclude next year, and uncertainty remains regarding the candidates who will contest the presidency of the European Union’s second-largest economy. Despite Macron’s 2022 re-election, parliament remains divided without an absolute majority, split among the left, far right, and centrist parties.
The far-right, anti-immigration National Rally (RN) is considered a key contender for the presidency but has historically faced challenges establishing a local presence, having lost councillors in the 2020 municipal elections.
National Rally’s Local Ambitions
The RN aims to retain control of its largest city, Perpignan, which has a population of 121,000 and is near the Spanish border. The party also targets additional cities, including Toulon on the south coast and Nîmes in the southeast.
A significant RN victory in a large city would enable the party to claim growing momentum. It serves as the primary opposition in Perpignan, which has been governed by a left-wing coalition since 2020. In Nice, France’s fifth-largest city, Éric Ciotti—who resigned as leader of the traditional right-wing party Les Républicains (LR) to ally with the RN in 2024—is seeking to win the city from his rival and former right-wing ally Christian Estrosi.
The RN’s performance in various cities will depend on whether left-wing parties form alliances or agreements to block the far right between the first and second rounds.
Traditional and Emerging Political Forces
Historically, France’s major cities have been governed by centre-left groups, including the Socialists, or by Les Républicains. Green-led coalitions made significant gains in the 2020 municipal elections, winning cities such as Lyon, but they face pressure as they attempt to maintain these positions.
The party of radical left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, La France Insoumise (LFI), is also seeking to strengthen its local presence ahead of the presidential race. It aims to increase its number of councillors, particularly in the greater Paris area, and is targeting mayoral positions in towns like Roubaix in the north.
Potential Alliances and Political Dynamics
Close attention is being paid to any alliances formed between the two rounds to counter rival groups in certain municipalities. Any local agreements that bring the traditional right and the far right closer, thereby breaking a historical divide, are under scrutiny.
It remains to be seen whether left-wing coalitions led by the Socialists can collaborate with Mélenchon’s LFI to prevent potential RN advances, for example in Marseille.
François Kraus, head of political studies at the IFOP polling institute, stated, "These municipal elections will no doubt provide a useful barometer of the political climate." He added that while the vote should not be viewed as a "primary for the presidential election," it would nonetheless reveal key trends and dynamics.
Key Mayoral Contests
A major focus is the mayoral race in Paris. Rachida Dati, representing the right-wing, who previously served as culture minister under Macron and justice minister under Nicolas Sarkozy, is attempting to take control of Paris from the left, which has governed the city for 25 years.
Dati was the first woman of North African and Muslim heritage to hold a major French government post and has redefined political celebrity in France. She is among the most prominent candidates in these elections. In September, Dati will face trial in Paris for alleged corruption and abuse of power related to lobbying for the Renault-Nissan carmaking group during her tenure in the European Parliament. She denies all wrongdoing.
Emmanuel Grégoire, deputy mayor and Socialist MP in Paris, leads a left-wing coalition in what is expected to be a closely contested race, with five candidates potentially advancing to the final round.
Another city under scrutiny is the northern port of Le Havre, where former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has based his 2027 presidential ambitions. Philippe has suggested that failure to win the city he has governed since 2014 could jeopardize his presidential candidacy.
Independent Candidates and Voter Sentiment
Many mayoral candidates have distanced themselves from political parties, reflecting voter frustration with politics and parliamentary deadlock. A substantial number of mayors, especially in villages, are running as independents.
