PARIS, France, March 15, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - French voters went to the polls onSunday to pick mayors and councillors in elections widely seen as a barometerof France's political mood ahead of the high-stakes 2027 presidential race. While nearly 90 percent of the French communes are small rural constituencieswhere local elections are traditionally depoliticised, the races couldnonetheless reveal key trends and dynamics, said political scientist NonnaMayer. By contrast, Le Pen's far-rightNational Rally, the hard-left party of firebrand Jean?Luc Melenchon andMacron's centrists have struggled to establish a strong local footprint. Following a record low turnout during the last local elections, held underthe shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, analysts will closely scrutinise the2026 races for possible signs of voter fatigue. The week between the two rounds is expected to see political partiesnegotiating deals with rivals and joining forces against strong opponents.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 15, 2026 07:55 UTC