Two exit polls indicated a near tie between incumbent left‑wing mayor Benoît Payan and National Rally deputy Franck Allisio in the first round of Marseille's mayoral race. The tight result highlights Marseille's status as a key testing ground for the far‑right ahead of the 2027 presidential election. A close finish sets the stage for intensified campaigning and possible alliance negotiations before the second round.
Marseille Mayoral Race Neck‑and‑Neck: Exit Polls Place Benoît Payan and Franck Allisio Almost Even
Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan, a candidate for re-election, supported by left wing parties, votes in the first round of the French municipal elections, at a polling station in Marseille, France, March 15, 2026. REUTERS/Manon Cruz TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
PARIS, March 15 — Two exit polls on Sunday showed a virtual tie in the first round of Marseille's mayoral election between incumbent left‑wing mayor Benoît Payan and National Rally deputy Franck Allisio, underscoring Marseille's growing importance on France's national political stage.
The Numbers: The exit polls indicated that Payan and Allisio were nearly level after the first round of voting in France's second‑largest city, signaling an unexpectedly tight contest.
Political Context: The far‑right National Rally has singled out Marseille as a proving ground ahead of the 2027 presidential election. A strong performance here would be seen as a test of the party's broader electoral appeal beyond its traditional bases.
What Comes Next: The close result increases the likelihood of intense campaigning, negotiation and alliance‑building before the second round. The outcome could also influence national narratives about the strength of the left and the far right in urban France.
Reporting: (Reporting by Makini Brice; Editing by Michel Rose)
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