French Municipal Elections: RN Surges and Courts Right-Wing Allies Ahead of Second Round

Municipales : nette poussée du RN, qui "tend la main" à droite pour le second tour

3/16/2026, 3:48:12 PM fr source ↗
European Politics

Summary

France's far-right Rassemblement National (RN) celebrated what it called an "immense victory" in the first round of municipal elections, with incumbents re-elected, new towns captured, and numerous candidates advancing to the second round. Despite setbacks in major cities, the party is now reaching out to right-wing allies to secure alliances ahead of the decisive second round next week. Such coalitions are seen as essential to flip additional municipalities in the RN's favour.

Preview

Sortants réélus, nouvelles conquêtes et nombreux candidats qualifiés au second tour : malgré des revers dans les grandes villes, le Rassemblement national célèbre déjà une "immense victoire" aux municipales et "tend la main" pour des alliances à droite, indispensables pour faire basculer certaines communes dans une semaine.

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