Local elections in France: the success of the socialists

The second round of local elections in France on March 22 brought the socialists victory in three of the country’s largest cities: Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. This became a serious declaration of intentions a year before the presidential election.

One of the main lessons of the campaign was the failure of a possible alliance between the socialists and the radical left “Unconquered France”. Thus, in Paris, Marseille and Lyon, the victory of the moderate left was the result of their campaign against the radicals, including against the anti-Semitism of Unconquered France. In Brest and Clermont-Ferrand, where this did not happen, the center-right won.

In Lyon, France’s second city, France Invictus-backed Mayor Gregory Doucet, a member of the Green party, was able to retain his post. However, experts note that, not least, this was the result of a failed campaign by his rival, entrepreneur Jean-Michel Aulas.

The achievements of the far-right National Rally have also become quite modest. The representative of this party was able to win in Nice, but in Toulon the far-right candidate was unable to achieve election as mayor, despite a 13% lead after the first round.