Far-left and far-right gains throw French mainstream parties into a quandary.
16 March 2026
The emerging strength of the far left and far right is creating awkward choices for mainstream parties after the first round of French mayoral elections.
In many big towns and cities, Socialists and centre-right Republicans are tempted to make electoral pacts on their outside flanks in order to beat the opposition in next Sunday’s run-off.
In many big towns and cities, Socialists and centre-right Republicans are tempted to make electoral pacts on their outside flanks in order to beat the opposition in next Sunday’s run-off.