French Municipal Elections 2026: Key Takeaways and What to Expect
The first round of the 2026 French municipal elections took place on March 15th, 2026. While the majority of communes won’t require a second round, approximately 1,580 communes and sectors will head to the polls again on March 22nd, 2026. This represents around 4.5% of all French communes.
A Second Round in Fewer Communities
Data released by the Ministry of the Interior indicates that a second round will be held in 1,580 communes or sectors. Notably, 17 of these will see five lists competing for votes. This signifies a decrease in the number of communes requiring a second round compared to previous elections.
Final Push for Candidates
Candidates are now in a sprint to convince undecided voters. As of March 19th, 2026, eleven public meetings are scheduled across France, including events in Avignon, Nice, Le Havre, Toulon, Nîmes, Lille and Menton. In Bordeaux, the incumbent mayor, Pierre Hurmic, is holding a meeting on the evening of March 19th.
Shifting Alliances and Strategic Partnerships
Political alliances are forming as parties strategize for the second round. The Socialist Party (PS) and La France Insoumise (LFI) are joining forces in several cities, including Toulouse and Lyon, to challenge right-wing and center-right candidates. Though, no such agreement has been reached in Paris or Marseille.
Early Polling Data: Paris and Marseille in Focus
Initial second-round polling data has emerged, particularly in Paris and Marseille. An OpinionWay poll suggests Rachida Dati is leading in Paris with 45% of the vote, followed by Emmanuel Grégoire at 40%. In Marseille, Benoît Payan is significantly ahead with 45%, while Franck Allisio trails with 36%. Similar polls in Bordeaux indicate a tight race between Pierre Hurmic and Thomas Cazenave, while Eric Ciotti is favored in Nice and Josée Massi in Toulon.
Key Results from the First Round
- Paris: Emmanuel Grégoire (PS) – 37.98%, Rachida Dati (LR) – 25.46%, Sophie Chikirou (LFI) – 11.72%, Pierre-Yves Bournazel – 11.34%. Sarah Knafo secured a spot in the second round with 10.40% of the vote.
- Marseille: Benoît Payan – 36.70%, Franck Allisio – 35.02%, Martine Vassal – 12.41%, Sébastien Delogu – 11.94%.
- Lyon: Grégory Doucet – 37.36%, Jean-Michel Aulas – 36.78%, Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi – 10.41%.
- Toulouse: Jean-Louis Moudenc – 37.23%, François Piquemal – 27.56%, François Briançon – 24.99%.
- Nice: Eric Ciotti – 43.43%, Christian Estrosi – 30.92%, Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux – 11.93%.
- Lille: Arnaud Deslandes – 26.26%, Lahouria Addouche – 23.36%, Stéphane Baly – 17.75%, Violette Spillebout – 11.14%, Matthieu Valet – 10.92%.
- Montpellier: Michael Delafosse – 33.29%, Nathalie Oziol – 15.34%, Mohed Altrad – 11.37%.
- Nantes: Johanna Rolland – 35.24%, Foulques Chombart de Lauwe – 33.77%, William Aucant – 11.20%.
- Bordeaux: Pierre Hurmic – 27.68%, Thomas Cazenave – 25.58%.
- Le Havre: Edouard Philippe – 43.76%, Jean-Paul Lecoq – 33.25%, Franck Keller – 15.30%.
- Toulon: Laure Lavalette – 42.05%, José Massi – 29.54%, Michel Bonnus – 15.71%.
- Perpignan: Louis Aliot was elected in the first round with 51% of the vote.
Changes to the Electoral System
Recent legislation, specifically the law of May 21, 2025, has standardized the electoral system across all French communes. Previously, smaller communes (under 1,000 inhabitants) had different rules allowing individual candidacies and the ability for voters to modify lists. Now, all communes use a list-based system with gender parity, ensuring equal representation of men and women in municipal councils.
The new system awards a majority of seats to the list receiving the most votes, with the remaining seats distributed proportionally among lists exceeding 5% of the vote. This “majority bonus” favors the leading list, but allows for representation of other parties. A second round is triggered if no list secures an absolute majority in the first round.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the second round of the municipal elections? The second round will be held on March 22nd, 2026.
- What is the voting system for these elections? All communes now use a list-based system with gender parity.
- How many communes are holding a second round? Approximately 1,580 communes and sectors.
- Where can I uncover more detailed results? Detailed results are available on Linternaute.com.
Stay informed! For the latest updates and detailed results, visit Linternaute.com.
