France: Far-right strength put to test in local elections

"Voters in France are going to the polls on Sunday in municipal elections that are being considered as a final major gauge of political sentiment in the country ahead of a presidential vote next year. In particular, the ballot is being seen as a test of the far right's strength as mainstream parties seem to be losing credibility with wide swathes of the population."

"Mayors, who are France's most trusted elected officials, head nearly 35,000 communes in the country, ranging from large cities to tiny villages. The results of the election will reflect voters' concerns and measure the level of support for parties at the national level as well. In addition, local councillors elect senators to France's upper house of parliament."

"The far-right National Rally (RN) views next year's vote as its strongest chance yet to take the presidency, with the centrist incumbent Emmanuel Macron constitutionally barred from running again."

France holds municipal elections on Sunday where nearly 49 million voters will choose local councillors who elect mayors across approximately 35,000 communes. The elections are viewed as a crucial test of political sentiment ahead of next year's presidential election, particularly measuring the far-right National Rally's strength as mainstream parties face declining credibility. Mayors are France's most trusted elected officials, and local councillors also elect senators to the upper house of parliament. Key voter concerns include security, housing, and local taxes. Electoral rules require equal gender representation on party lists in alternating order. If no absolute majority is reached, a second round occurs on March 22 with lists receiving 10% or more of votes.

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