Trending Now - French Municipal Runoffs Focus on Paris, Marseille, Lyon

WHO:

French voters

President Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Grégoire, candidate for the Socialist Party

Rachida Dati, conservative candidate

Sophia Chikirou, candidate from La France Insoumise

Benoît Payan, incumbent left-wing Mayor of Marseille

Franck Allisio, far-right candidate in Marseille

Martine Vassal, right-wing candidate in Marseille

Grégory Doucet, ecologist incumbent in Lyon

Jean-Michel Aulas, centrist challenger in Lyon

François Piquemal, candidate in Toulouse

Jean-Luc Moudenc, conservative Mayor of Toulouse

Eric Ciotti, candidate in Nice

Christian Estrosi, candidate in Nice

Johanna Rolland, Socialist Mayor of Nantes

Pierre Hurmic, incumbent in Bordeaux

Sarah Knafo, far-right candidate who withdrew

WHAT:

French voters are participating in the second and final round of municipal elections.

The elections involve over 1,500 communes.

Emmanuel Grégoire received 37.98% of the vote in the first round in Paris.

Rachida Dati received 25.46% of the vote in the first round in Paris.

Benoît Payan led in Marseille with 36.70% of the vote.

Franck Allisio received 35.02% of the vote in Marseille.

Grégory Doucet received 37.36% of the vote in Lyon.

Jean-Michel Aulas received 36.78% of the vote in Lyon.

Eric Ciotti led in Nice with 43.43% of the vote.

Christian Estrosi received 30.92% of the vote in Nice.

Sarah Knafo received nearly 10% of the vote in the first round.

WHERE:

Paris, France

Marseille, France

Lyon, France

Toulouse, France

Nice, France

Nantes, France

Bordeaux, France

WHEN:

The first round of voting occurred on March 15th, 2026.

The second round of municipal elections is scheduled for March 22nd, 2026.

WHY:

The elections are a test of the balance of power on France’s local political map before the 2027 presidential race.

The far right aims to convert national momentum into control of major cities.

HOW:

The voting system involves lists and proportional representation, allowing for tactical alliances and candidate withdrawals between rounds.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 11:05 UTC)

Today, French voters are heading to the polls for the second and final round of municipal elections, which cover over 1,500 communes across the country. In the first round, Emmanuel Grégoire received nearly 38% of the vote in Paris, while Benoît Payan led in Marseille with about 37%. This election is seen as a crucial test of local political power ahead of the 2027 presidential race, with the far right aiming to gain control of major cities.