In the first round of the French municipal elections on March 15, 2026, the far-right National Rally (RN) secured significant victories and strong polling positions, positioning the party as a formidable contender for the 2027 presidential race.

 

Far right polls strongly in French mayoral elections seen as launchpad for 2027 presidential race

In the first round of the French municipal elections on March 15, 2026, the far-right National Rally (RN) secured significant victories and strong polling positions, positioning the party as a formidable contender for the 2027 presidential race. These local elections are widely regarded as a "launchpad" or bellwether for the upcoming national showdown to succeed President Emmanuel Macron.

 

Key Results and Trends

Major Outright Wins: The RN successfully held its largest stronghold, Perpignan, where incumbent Louis Aliot was re-elected in the first round.

Breakthrough in Marseille: In France's second-largest city, RN candidate Franck Allisio finished in a virtual dead heat with the leftist incumbent, Benoît Payan, with both receiving approximately 35.4% of the vote according to Ipsos exit polls.

Gains in the South: Far-right candidates, including RN allies like Eric Ciotti in Nice, showed strong leads, signaling a potential shift in major southern hubs like Toulon and Nîmes.