France's far-right National Rally expanded its local footprint in the second round of municipal elections on March 22, increasing its number of mayoralties across the country, though it failed to secure control of several targeted major cities, losing in Marseille, Toulon, and Nimes, Le Monde reported March 23. Interior ministry results show the party won 37 additional mayoralties, adding to 18 first-round victories.

France's municipal elections are unfolding against a fragmented national landscape following the 2024 French snap parliamentary elections. While municipal elections are an imperfect proxy for nationwide voting intention, given that they are heavily shaped by local issues and personalities, they are being closely monitored as an early indicator of party strength and alliance dynamics ahead of the 2027 presidential race. Meanwhile, nationwide opinion polls published on March 22 showed RN leader Jordan Bardella with 35% of voter support for the first round, ahead of centrist Edouard Philippe at 18%.