Municipal
France's 2026 municipal election campaign opens with over 50 000 candidate lists
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The official campaign for France's 2026 municipal elections began on March 2, featuring over 50 000 lists and 900 000 candidates across 34 944 communes. Despite parity mandated by a 2025 law, more than three-quarters of the lists are led by men. The votes are scheduled for March 15 and 22.
Less than a week before the first round of municipal elections on March 15, 2026, recent polls show tight voting intentions in major cities. Le Figaro provides an infographic on trends in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and other areas. Races are especially competitive in metropolises, making first-round wins unlikely.
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Four days before the first round of the 2026 Paris municipal elections, Rachida Dati, the right-wing candidate, acknowledged at a rally that the race would be very tight. She urged voters to show responsibility by choosing reason. This mobilization comes as she trails Emmanuel Grégoire in voting intentions.
In a volatile context, Jordan Bardella of the Rassemblement national and Jean-Luc Mélenchon held successive meetings in Perpignan on February 28 and March 1. The city, led by mayor Louis Aliot (RN), hosted these gatherings ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. Despite school holidays and the threat of rain, the streets had a festive atmosphere.
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Three weeks before Paris municipal elections, socialist candidate Emmanuel Grégoire held an unprecedented exchange with residents, lacking a debate with main rival Rachida Dati. The event took place on Sunday at Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad in the 19th arrondissement.
In Valognes, Manche, outgoing mayor Jacques Coquelin, from divers droite, allies with his left-wing opposition to seek a fourth term in the municipal elections on March 15 and 22. This 'multicolour' list includes socialist Fabrice Rodriguez and three minority elected officials. The arrangement draws reservations from part of the local left, especially La France insoumise militants.
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In Lisieux, Calvados, the right is divided for the 2026 municipal elections, with three lists challenging outgoing mayor Sébastien Leclerc. Paul Mercier, a former deputy, and Olivier Truffaut for the united left oppose the divers droite figure under criticism. The Rassemblement national, which got 37.8% in the 2024 legislative elections, is not fielding a list.
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