The city of Marseille is gearing up for the 2026 municipal elections, and tonight, the first debate among the four main candidates is being broadcast live on BFM-TV in partnership with Le Figaro. Candidates include Sébastien Delogu from LFI, the incumbent mayor Benoît Payan from Printemps marseillais, Martine Vassal representing a coalition of centrist and right-leaning parties (MoDem-Renaissance-Horizons-LR), and Franck Allisio from the National Rally (RN-UDR). This debate is critical as it sets the stage for the upcoming election and showcases the candidates' positions on key issues affecting the city.

As the candidates arrive on set, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, with various local personalities in attendance, including notable figures like police officer Rudy Manna and Jean-Luc Chauvin, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The debate aims to clarify each candidate's vision for Marseille, which is facing numerous challenges, including social issues, economic development, and public safety. It is expected that the candidates will address these pressing topics while also vying for public support ahead of the poll.

Recent polls indicate a tightly contested race, with incumbent Benoît Payan and challenger Franck Allisio neck and neck. Meanwhile, Sébastien Delogu appears to be poised to advance to the second round of voting. As viewers tune in, the debate will not only inform the electorate but also potentially influence the strategic choices of undecided voters who hold the key to shaping Marseille's political landscape in the coming years.