PARIS, France, March 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Voters are to choose their mayors in top French cities Sunday, with the left battling to keep Paris and second-largest city Marseille while the far right eyes gains before next year's presidential election. Polls are to open at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) on the French mainland, with results expected to start trickling in some 12 hours later. In Paris, the race is looking tight between leftist Emmanuel Gregoire, a former deputy of outgoing Socialist mayor Anne Hidalgo, and his runner-up, right-wing ex-minister Rachida Dati. -Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party is also hoping for better scores than in previous local polls. In the northern port city of Le Havre, declared presidential candidate Edouard Philippe is well-placed to remain mayor.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 22, 2026 07:22 UTC