Local elections in France in 2026

In March 2026, six years after the last election, local representatives will be re-elected in France. As the last nationwide direct elections before the 2027 presidential election, the parties attach particular importance to this vote, even though local election results traditionally only reflect national sentiment to a limited extent. However, given the unstable national political situation in which this year's local elections will take place, this trend could change. Since the dissolution of the National Assembly in 2024, political control at the state level has been weakened, parliamentary majorities remain unstable and confidence in national institutions is under great pressure. It therefore seems that the political significance of the local elections could have a greater impact at the national level this time or be influenced by it. Accordingly, the focus is shifting to the local authorities: in 2026, they will become key touchstones of political credibility, capacity to act and organisation.