No one in Paris dares consider Marseille flipping to the Rassemblement National in the 2026 municipal elections. Yet, this scenario remains possible, with the key in the hands of La France Insoumise. Maintaining the LFI list in the second round could favor the RN candidate's election.
Parisian political headquarters dismiss the idea of a Rassemblement National (RN) victory in Marseille, France's second-largest city, in the second round of the 2026 municipal elections on March 22. The RN candidate, Franck Allisio, is seen as unknown and not up to the task for such a major vote by national observers.
Others bet on the re-election of outgoing mayor Benoît Payan due to his political cunning. Martine Vassal, from the right and center, could win if the 2020 divisions are overcome, particularly through an agreement between these forces. Uncertainty surrounds La France Insoumise (LFI)'s strategy, however.
Most hope that LFI candidate Sébastien Delogu will not maintain his list in the second round, avoiding the risk of electing Franck Allisio by default. A non-Marseille elected official comments: “Jean-Luc Mélenchon is in a revolutionary strategy. In that case, he will let Delogu face…”. This decision could determine the fate of the Phocaean city, where the RN aims for an unexpected takeover.