France's far-right National Rally party is reportedly positioning for significant gains in upcoming municipal elections, with key races in Marseille and Paris seen as important indicators for next year's presidential election. According to Swedish media reports, the party hopes to take control in both Nice and Marseille, where violence and immigration have become major campaign issues. In Marseille, National Rally mayoral candidate Franck Allisio has reportedly promised a tripled police budget, double the number of surveillance cameras, school uniforms, and special family zones on beaches.
The city has been hard-pressed by violence and drug wars, creating conditions that could benefit the far-right. Meanwhile in Paris, former justice and culture minister Rachida Dati hopes to become the first right-wing mayor since 2001, facing what is expected to be a close race. The municipal elections are viewed as a crucial political barometer ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with National Rally candidates also reportedly performing well in neighboring cities like Toulon and Nice ahead of Sunday's first round of voting.