Ballots are set to provide clearest indication so far of political temperature in runup to presidential election
France’s voters go to the polls on 15 and 22 March for two rounds of municipal elections that will provide the clearest indication so far of the country’s political temperature in the runup to the presidential election next year.
The ballots in 35,000 communes across France, ranging from small hamlets to large cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille, are a key test of the far-right National Rally (RN) and of the alliances that could hold it at bay – or help it to power.
Polls consistently show France’s mayors are the country’s most trusted politicians and, while municipal elections often focus on local matters, they measure support for political parties, shape national momentum and can show which themes resonate with voters.
Held every six years, the municipal ballots are being watched particularly closely this time around because of next year’s election that will decide who succeeds Emmanuel Macron as France’s president; polls so far suggest it could well be the RN’s candidate, whether that is Jordan Bardella or Marine Le Pen.
