FRENCH ELECTIONS
French national and local electoral contests, including presidential, legislative and municipal elections, party dynamics and coalition building
4 articles
Paris, Lyon and Marseille Mayoralties Hang on Party Alliances
EL PAÍSLas alcaldías de París, Lyon y Marsella, en manos de las alianzas de los partidos
3/16/2026, 6:41:53 PM
The mayoral races in France's three largest cities — Paris, Lyon and Marseille — are set to be decided by inter-party alliances following the first round of municipal elections. Jean-Luc Mélenchon's La France Insoumise, which performed poorly in the first round, is expected to play a kingmaker role in securing progressive victories across many cities. The results highlight how coalition-building has become the defining factor in French local politics.
Spain's Right Surges: PP Forced into Coalition with Vox After Regional Sweep
EL PAÍSEl balance global de Extremadura, Aragón y Castilla y León: el PP tendrá que pactar con Vox, el partido que más avanza
3/16/2026, 1:09:55 PM
Regional elections in Extremadura, Aragón and Castilla y León point to a clear rightward shift in Spanish politics, with the conservative Partido Popular forced to seek coalition agreements with the far-right Vox, which posted the strongest gains of the night. On the weakened progressive side, voters rewarded candidates who presented themselves as locally rooted and politically independent. The results mark a significant realignment ahead of Spain's broader political calendar.
Alvise's Party Hurts Vox, Doubles Podemos, but Fails Again at the Polls
EL PAÍSAlvise lastra a Vox, duplica a Podemos y fracasa de nuevo: “Al cuerno la partitocracia y los políticos parásitos”
3/16/2026, 11:02:56 AM
The far-right populist party "Se Acabó La Fiesta" (SALF), led by social media figure Alvise Pérez, finished eighth in Castilla y León's regional elections with over 17,000 votes, performing poorly despite its online following. The result hurt Vox, whose support was split, while SALF also outperformed Podemos twofold. Pérez used the occasion to rail against what he called "partyocracy and parasitic politicians."
Peridis: Alfonso's Courtship
EL PAÍSPeridis: el cortejo de Alfonso
3/16/2026, 4:30:01 AM
This is a political cartoon by Peridis published in El País on 16 March 2026, titled "Alfonso's Courtship." As an editorial illustration, it offers satirical commentary on current Spanish political affairs. The specific subject of the cartoon relates to a figure named Alfonso, likely a reference to a prominent political actor in Spain.