On the 15th of this month, France conducted local elections considered a precursor to the presidential elections next year. The focus is on whether far-right parties, specifically the National Rally (RN), will reshape local governance in significant cities such as Marseille and Nice. Approximately 35,000 communes voted, with voters selecting party lists rather than individual candidates, further complicating the local political landscape and the potential for shifts in power.

According to reports from Le Figaro and Libération, in the first round of voting, a party that secures over 50% of the votes gains half of the municipal council seats, while the remaining seats are divided among parties that secure over 5%. If no party achieves a majority, parties with more than 10% will advance to a runoff on the 22nd. The structure heavily favors the majority party to secure the mayoral position, reflecting the critical alignment of local and national politics within the electoral framework.

The National Rally has submitted a list of candidates for 524 communes, indicating a strategic push to gain influence in urban areas. Their challenge remains, as they currently hold the mayor's position in only 14 communes, with the notable exception being Perpignan. In Southern cities like Toulon and Narbonne, they are neck-and-neck with existing right-wing mayors. The left-wing parties face significant pressures in urban centers like Paris and Marseille, with the outcome uncertain as incumbent mayors retire, opening a potential opportunity for far-right candidates or conservatives to gain ground.