In a surprising turn during France’s municipal elections, the far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen faced a major defeat in the Paris mayoral race. Incumbent Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s centrist coalition secured a comfortable majority, blocking any serious advance by the far-right in the capital.
The results are seen as a significant setback for Le Pen ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. Analysts say urban voters, especially youth and immigrants, rallied against her party’s anti-immigration rhetoric and nationalist policies. Outside Paris, National Rally gained ground in some rural areas but fell short of expectations. French President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance also performed better than predicted in several key cities.
The election has sparked broader discussions in Europe about the rise and stall of right-wing politics. With similar trends observed in Germany and Spain, political observers believe this could shape EU policy directions on migration, security, and integration.
