Socialists retain political power across France’s major urban areas
France's National Rally (RN) fell short of its ambition to capture Marseille and Toulon in yesterday's municipal ballots, a setback that offered a boost to embattled mainstream parties as they eye next year's presidential contest.
In a separate high-stakes race, Socialist Party candidate Emmanuel Gregoire prevailed in the Paris mayoral contest, defeating conservative ex-minister Rachida Dati and keeping the French capital under left-wing control.
These municipal votes were watched nationwide for signals ahead of the 2027…