US EditionFrench Voters Head to Polls in Early Municipal Test Before 2027 Presidential Election
More than 900,000 candidates compete across 35,000 municipalities in a test of the far-right National Rally's strength ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
- 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.
176 Articles
176 Articles
A second election campaign will take place in the majority of municipalities and in virtually all major cities.
Both the far right and the far left, which saw the vote as a key test before next year's presidential election, made gains in local elections in France. Most cities are expected to have mayors, but a second round will be needed in many larger ones. The battle for Paris, where the Socialist candidate is leading, will also be decided then.
In France, Marine Le Pen's party has increased significantly in the first round of the local elections. According to extrapolations by Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire, in Paris, it is clear before the final election next Sunday.
In the first round of the French local elections, the nationalists of Marine Le Pen continue to gain ground. In most metropolises, leftists and conservatives lead. However, a spectacular exception could become Marseilles.
Berliner Morgenpost
The municipal elections are considered the last major mood test before the presidential election. First forecasts show the political margins as winners.
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