The first round of the 2026 local elections in France

The first round of the 2026 French local elections took place in around 35,000 French municipalities and reveals a further shift in the country’s political landscape. Particularly striking is the gains made by two forces on the political fringes: the right-wing populist Rassemblement National (RN) and the far-left La France insoumise (LFI). Both parties made considerable gains in numerous towns and cities and appear to be benefiting from growing public dissatisfaction with the traditional parties. This was also reflected in voter turnout: depending on the projection, between 41.5 % and 44 % of voters stayed away from the polling stations – more than ever before outside of times of crisis. Voter abstention was particularly high in small municipalities, which often have only one electoral list, and in socially disadvantaged regions. In cities where the outcome was too close to call, such as Paris or Lyon, turnout rose slightly. Nevertheless, the trend of declining voter turnout over the years is confirmed – despite attempts by the state to mobilise voters. It is worth noting that a mayor of a municipality is actually the most popular political figure in France.