Summary
France is holding local elections to choose new mayors and city council members. The far-right National Rally party gained control of more municipalities despite performing worse than expected. Voter turnout is low, which may help the National Rally in the elections.
Key Facts
- France is conducting local elections to elect mayors and city council members.
- These elections are happening a year before the presidential vote.
- The far-right party, the National Rally, gained control in 24 municipalities this year, up from 17 in the last mayoral race.
- Nice and Toulon are large cities that may elect far-right mayors.
- Voter turnout was 57%, the second-lowest in the history of France's Fifth Republic.
- Low voter turnout is especially notable in working-class areas of Marseille.
- The traditional right in France is losing strength, benefiting the far-right National Rally.
- Low voter interest and new voting rules contributed to the overall low turnout.
