France municipal elections: Alliances form in several cities against far-right
Candidates forge local agreements but no national agreement between left-wing parties
In Paris, socialist frontrunner Emmanuel Grégoire has declined an alliance with LFI candidate Sophia Chikirou, while right-wing candidate Rachida Dati has reached an agreement with a centrist list
Pierre Laborde/Shutterstock
Alliances are being forged across France ahead of the second round of municipal elections on March 22, as parties negotiate mergers, withdrawals and tactical deals that could reshape key races.
The period between the two rounds is a decisive phase in the French electoral system.
Candidates who secured 10% of the vote in the first round can choose to remain in the race, merge with rivals, or withdraw to boost another list’s chances.
These negotiations may continue until the legal deadline of Tuesday March 17 at 18:00, when final lists must be submitted.
While only lists that secured at least 10% of the vote can stand in the second round, those with more than 5% can join forces with a qualifying list.
This often leads to multi-way contests - sometimes involving three or more candidates - making alliances a critical factor in determining the outcome.
This year’s talks follow a first round marked by strong performances from both the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) and the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI), alongside a relatively low turnout.
Despite the Socialist Party (PS) ruling out any national agreement with LFI, local candidates have struck deals in a number of cities to attempt to prevent right-wing or far-right victories.
Local alliances
Agreements have been confirmed or are close in Toulouse, Lyon, Strasbourg, Limoges and Tours, where separate first-round lists are merging.
In Toulouse, a joint left-wing list has been formed to challenge the incumbent mayor. In Lyon, LFI has joined Green mayor Grégory Doucet in a closely fought contest with Jean-Michel Aulas.
In Strasbourg, mayor Jeanne Barseghian has allied with LFI after trailing in the first round, while in Limoges socialist and LFI candidates have merged in an attempt to retake the city.
These agreements vary in nature.
Some are ‘programmatic’, involving a shared platform for governing if elected. Others are more ‘technical’, designed primarily to avoid splitting the vote, without guaranteeing joint leadership.
Even in more reluctant areas, pressure from close races has driven negotiations.
In Nantes, socialist mayor Johanna Rolland agreed to a merger with LFI without adopting a common programme.
However, divisions remain pronounced.
In Paris, socialist frontrunner Emmanuel Grégoire has declined an alliance with LFI candidate Sophia Chikirou, raising the prospect of a fragmented contest.
On the right, Rachida Dati has reached a separate agreement with a centrist list.
In Marseille, mayor Benoît Payan has also rejected a deal with LFI, despite calls to unite against the RN candidate, who won a historically high 35% of the vote.
Candidates in other cities including Bordeaux and Amiens have ruled out mergers, while negotiations have failed in Poitiers and Caen.
The winning list automatically secures half the seats on the municipal council - meaning that even limited alliances could prove decisive on March 22.
