FRENCH POLITICS
Domestic political developments in France, including elections, government policy, and the rise of the far-right Rassemblement National
6 articles
From Perpignan to Marseille's Gates: Marine Le Pen's Far Right Tightens Its Grip on Local Power
EL PAÍSDe Perpiñán a las puertas de Marsella: la extrema derecha de Marie Le Pen avanza en el poder municipal
3/17/2026, 4:30:01 AM
Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National has secured the mayoralty in around twenty French cities in the first round of local elections, marking a significant expansion of its municipal power base. For the first time, the far-right party is within striking distance of major urban centres such as Marseille, Nice and Toulon. The results signal a historic shift in French local politics, with the RN moving beyond its traditional strongholds.
Sarkozy Back in Court for Appeal in Libyan Campaign Financing Case
EL PAÍSSarkozy vuelve a los tribunales en el juicio en apelación por el caso de la financiación libia de su campaña
3/16/2026, 7:19:46 PM
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has returned to court for the appeal hearing in the case involving alleged illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign by Libya's Gaddafi regime. Sarkozy was previously sentenced to five years in prison at first instance and spent several weeks in a Paris jail before the appeal was granted. The case is one of several legal battles facing the former head of state.
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.
How an antifa street killing exposed a deep national crisis in France
RT3/16/2026, 5:14:23 PM
The killing of New-Right activist Quentin Deranque, allegedly by antifa members, has triggered a major political shockwave in France. The incident has placed the political left on the defensive, with critics accusing it of fostering a climate of violence. The case has reignited deep divisions over political extremism and street violence in French society.
Moreno Takes Aim at Vox's Blocking Tactics Ahead of Andalusian Elections
EL PAÍSMoreno carga contra el bloqueo de Vox y observa con optimismo su estancamiento en Castilla y León
3/16/2026, 3:30:51 PM
Andalusian regional president Juan Manuel Moreno has criticised Vox's political blocking tactics while expressing optimism after the far-right party stagnated in the Castilla y León elections. Spanish political parties are now drawing lessons from those results as they look ahead to the upcoming Andalusian elections, whose date has yet to be announced.
France's African Ambitions: A Century of the Same Mistakes
RTFrom De Gaulle to Macron: The place where every French leader makes the same mistakes
3/14/2026, 12:10:49 PM
France's relationship with Africa has long been used by Paris to compensate for its declining global influence, a pattern that has persisted from the De Gaulle era through to Macron's presidency. The article traces the consistent strategic mistakes French leaders have made on the continent across decades. It argues that despite changing rhetoric, France's neo-colonial approach to Africa remains largely unchanged.