In the mayoral election of France’s capital, Emmanuel Grégoire, leader of the Socialist Party, has won a decisive victory, defeating far-right and conservative candidates in the runoff held on Sunday (March 22).
According to exit polls, Grégoire led a unified left-wing alliance comprising the traditional left, Green Party, and Communists, securing approximately 51–53% of the vote. His main rival, conservative candidate Rachida Dati, has already conceded defeat. At 48 years old, Grégoire will succeed outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo, under whom he previously served as deputy mayor.
The left’s success extended beyond Paris. In Marseille, France’s second-largest city, Socialist Mayor Benoît Payan is on track for re-election with 56.3% of the vote, aided by the withdrawal of the far-left party France Insoumise candidate, which strengthened the left-wing coalition and blocked the rise of the far-right National Rally (RN).
Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure hailed Grégoire’s win as a strong resistance against the far-right, emphasizing that the left alone can protect France from political regression.
Meanwhile, in Toulon, centrist-right candidate José Masi secured 53.5% of the vote, defeating RN candidate Lorr Lavalette. However, the far-right recorded a major victory in Nice, the fifth-largest French city, with RN ally Éric Ciotti emerging victorious. RN leader Jordan Bardella downplayed the defeats, claiming the party achieved its largest historical success in municipal elections, strengthening its base in several new areas. Previously, RN had also won the southern city of Perpignan in the first round of voting.
Political analysts suggest that these municipal election outcomes could complicate next year’s presidential race. In northern France’s Le Havre, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe was re-elected mayor, boosting his prospects for the 2027 presidential election. Philippe, a center-right leader under President Emmanuel Macron, described his victory as a triumph of French values.
Voter turnout, according to the French Interior Ministry, was just over 48% by 5 PM on Sunday, slightly higher than during the 2020 pandemic-affected elections but roughly 4% lower than in 2014.
As Paris prepares for its new leadership, Emmanuel Grégoire has pledged to transform the city into a “sanctuary” and a “stronghold” against extremism.
Source: Al Jazeera
