France Votes in Municipal First Round, Testing Far-Right Clout Ahead of 2027

Overview

• Preliminary results are due after polls close this evening, with many medium and large cities expected to head to March 22 runoffs.
• The far-right Rassemblement National seeks breakthroughs in big urban centers, with Marseille seen as competitive against Socialist incumbent Benoît Payan as security tops voter concerns.
• In Paris, several contenders are polling above the 10% threshold, making potential withdrawals and fusion deals pivotal for rivals such as Rachida Dati on the right and Emmanuel Grégoire on the left.
• A recent rule change now lets voters in Paris, Lyon and Marseille directly elect both district and municipal councillors, a late modification viewed as reshaping local power dynamics.
• Turnout reached about 49% by 16:00 GMT, higher than in 2020 yet still subdued historically, as parties gauge national momentum and Marine Le Pen awaits a judicial decision that could affect a 2027 run.