Socialist Grégoire Elected Paris Mayor as Far-Right Gains in Nice and Toulon

Emmanuel Grégoire, the Socialist candidate, has been elected as the new mayor of Paris, succeeding Anne Hidalgo. The victory marks a continuation of left-wing leadership in the French capital, which has spanned 25 years. However, the nationwide municipal elections also revealed significant gains for the far-right National Rally (RN), particularly in the city of Nice, where Eric Ciotti secured a win.

A Shift in the Political Landscape

The results of the elections, held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, are being viewed as a key indicator of the political balance in France ahead of the 2027 presidential race. Although the traditional left and right experienced gains, the RN made substantial inroads, demonstrating its growing influence across the country.

Grégoire’s Victory in Paris

Grégoire, who led a coalition of the traditional left, the Greens and the Communists, won with an estimated 51 to 53 percent of the vote, according to pollsters Al Jazeera. His opponent, conservative Rachida Dati, conceded defeat. Grégoire pledged to uphold Paris as a “city of refuge” and a “bastion against the right and the far right.” He was greeted by outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo at City Hall after his victory.

Far-Right Successes in Nice and Toulon

In a significant win for the far-right, Eric Ciotti was elected mayor of Nice, France’s fifth-largest city South China Morning Post. In Toulon, centre-right candidate Josée Massi was leading, with RN candidate Laure Lavalette conceding defeat.

Mixed Results for the National Rally

Despite losses in Toulon and falling short of taking control of Marseille and Toulon, RN chief Jordan Bardella hailed the elections as the party’s biggest breakthrough in its history South China Morning Post. The party had previously secured re-election in Perpignan and won in several smaller cities.

Other Key Outcomes

Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was re-elected mayor of Le Havre, a result that is seen as boosting his potential candidacy for the 2027 presidential election South China Morning Post. In Marseille, Socialist Mayor Benoit Payan was on track for re-election with 56.3 percent of the vote Al Jazeera.

Turnout and Future Implications

Turnout for the elections was just over 48 percent in mainland France, higher than in the 2020 vote during the COVID-19 pandemic but lower than in 2014 South China Morning Post. The results are expected to shape the political discourse as France prepares for the 2027 presidential election.