Benoît Payan re-elected Marseille mayor despite RN breakthrough

In the second round of the 2026 Marseille municipal elections, Benoît Payan (DVG) retained the mayoralty with 54.34% of votes, against Franck Allisio (RN) at 40.30% and Martine Vassal at 5.36%. Payan's Printemps marseillais secured six of the city's eight sectors.

On March 23, 2026, following the second round of municipal elections, Marseille is undergoing a significant political reconfiguration. Outgoing mayor Benoît Payan, backed by Printemps marseillais (PM), was re-elected with 54.34% of votes, well ahead of Rassemblement national's (RN) Franck Allisio at 40.30%. Martine Vassal garnered only 5.36%, while Sébastien Delogu (LFI) withdrew from the race. This win strengthens PM's hold in the city center and north, capturing the 13th and 14th arrondissements previously held by the right. The RN positions itself as the second local political force, with a breakthrough in the south-east of the Phocaean city. Traditional right-wing presence has virtually vanished from Marseille's electoral map.

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Split-scene photo illustration of tensions in Benoît Payan's left-wing camp and Franck Allisio's controversial RN proposals in Marseille elections.
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Internal tensions in Payan's camp and controversial proposals by Allisio in Marseille

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In Marseille, the submission of electoral lists by outgoing mayor Benoît Payan has sparked tensions within his left-wing majority, with sidelined deputies denouncing brutal decisions. Meanwhile, RN candidate Franck Allisio, polling at 34% of voting intentions, presented priority measures including an 'anti-thugs pass' for parks and beaches. These developments come two weeks before the first round of the 2026 municipal elections.

During a televised debate on BFMTV Thursday evening, candidate Martine Vassal claimed values including «work, family, homeland», the Vichy regime's slogan, prompting Benoît Payan's reaction calling it Pétain's motto. The outgoing mayor also stated he would withdraw from the race if he trailed Sébastien Delogu in the first round to block the RN. One month before the municipal elections, a poll places Payan ahead with 31% of voting intentions.

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