US EditionFrench Voters Head to Polls in Early Municipal Test Before 2027 Presidential Election
The far-right National Rally aims to expand local power in nearly 35,000 municipalities, with turnout between 56% and 58.5%, signaling political momentum ahead of 2027.
- Nearly 49 million French voters head to the polls Sunday to elect leadership teams across 35,000 communes in the first round of municipal elections, a crucial test before the 2027 presidential race.
- Although primarily focused on local issues like security and taxes, these races allow political parties to gauge their strength and refine electoral machines ahead of the contest to succeed President Emmanuel Macron.
- Attention centers on high-profile battles: in Paris, Culture Minister Rachida Dati challenges Socialist candidate Emmanuel Gregoire, while in Marseille, incumbent Mayor Benoît Payan faces National Rally candidate Franck Allisio.
- A second round will occur on March 22 if no candidate wins an absolute majority. Political scientist Nonna Mayer noted turnout will reflect "political distrust and disaffection" regarding French democracy.
- The National Rally hopes to capture major urban centers to build mainstream credibility, while a loss for former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe in Le Havre could deplete his political capital ahead of 2027.
140 Articles
140 Articles
Berliner Morgenpost
The municipal elections are considered the last major mood test before the presidential election. First forecasts show the political margins as winners.
French Municipal Elections: A Precursor to 2027 Presidential Race
The recent French municipal elections offered an initial view of political parties' strengths ahead of the 2027 presidential race. While primarily focused on local issues, the results also provided insights into the potential influence of the far-right National Rally party. Key cities like Paris and Marseille emerged as major focal points.
For this first round of municipal elections, the PS, LR and the centrists resist both the extremes and the extremes. An evening marked by the good score of Édouard Philippe, in Le Havre, and the disappointment of Rachida Dati, in Paris.
The second round will take place next Sunday and then the elected municipal councilors will elect the mayors and community leaders.
Low turnout mars French mayoral races ahead of 2027 election
The first round of a vote to elect France's mayors was drawing to a close on Sunday, a test of the political mood a year before key presidential elections, with pollsters announcing very low turnout.The ascendant far right views next year's contest as its strongest chance yet to take power, with centrist President Emmanuel Macron...
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