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last mo.

France’s Left Keeps Big Cities as Far Right Expands Elsewhere in Municipal Runoffs

Municipal maps shift without settling the 2027 contest.

French socialist candidate for Paris mayoral election, Emmanuel Gregoire, center right, and former Paris' mayor Bertrand Delanoe, left, celebrate after Gregoire won the second round of France's municipal elections in Paris, France, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
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French socialist candidate for Paris mayoral election, Emmanuel Gregoire gives a speech after he won the second round of France's municipal elections in Paris, France, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
A woman walks past electoral posters of Paris mayoral election candidates Emmanuel Gregoire, of the Socialist Party (PS), head of the "left-wing coalition" list (La Gauche unie), and Rachida Dati, supported by Les Republicains (LR) and the MoDem parties, displayed on electoral campaign panel boards ahead of the second round of the Paris municipal in Paris, France, March 20, 2026. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Overview

  • The Socialist-led left, which clinched Paris and Marseille on Sunday, kept control of France’s biggest city halls.
  • The National Rally fell short in major urban targets but grew its foothold in smaller towns, and ally Éric Ciotti won the mayor’s race in Nice.
  • In Marseille, France Unbowed’s Sébastien Delogu withdrew between rounds to avoid splitting the left, showing how France’s two-round system and list deals can decide runoffs.
  • Former prime minister Édouard Philippe secured re-election in Le Havre, reinforcing his already-declared 2027 presidential bid.
  • Turnout lagged past cycles, and analysts say the map shows a broader RN presence yet a clear urban ceiling, leaving next year’s race open.