First round of French municipal elections concludes

On March 15, 2026, France held the first round of municipal elections with 48.7 million registered voters, recording a 50% participation rate. Candidates or lists receiving over 10% of the vote qualified for the runoff, which is scheduled for March 22. In Paris, Emmanuel Gregoire leads with 36.4% followed by Rachida Dati with 25%. Marseille shows a dead heat between Franck Allisio and Benoit Payan at 35.5% each. Lyon candidates Gregory Doucet and Jean-Michel Aulas are neck-and-neck at approximately 37%. In Strasbourg, Catherine Trautmann leads with 25% over Jean-Philippe Vetter at 24%, while in Bordeaux, Pierre Hurmic holds 27.7% against Thomas Cazenave at 25%. These elections serve as a precursor to the 2027 presidential cycle. Once the second round concludes, newly elected municipal councillors will formally appoint mayors and local officials.