France’s far-right National Rally is under pressure to secure a strong showing in municipal elections starting Sunday, widely seen as a key test of the party’s prospects ahead of next year’s presidential race. Party leader Jordan Bardella has argued that political change begins at the local level, saying victories in town halls could mark another step towards national power.
However, strong national polling does not guarantee success in local contests, which are often shaped by local personalities and issues. France’s two-round voting system has also historically worked against the far right, with rival parties forming alliances in the runoff to block National Rally candidates.
Still, party officials believe divisions between centrists and the left could weaken the traditional “Republican Front”. Polls suggest the National Rally could be competitive in major cities including Marseille and Nice, as well as mid-sized cities such as Nîmes and Toulon.
via Politico
