The Briefing A new mayor in Paris: who is Emmanuel Grégoire?
Mar 23, 2026
Guy Delaney, Monaco’s Balkan correspondent covering Slovenia’s tight vote. Irina Nikorak, Ukrainian MP on energy, munitions and European solidarity. Sophie Grove, Confect editor on horticulture, design and spring fashion features. Mary Fitzgerald, Monocle reporter from Marseille on local results, security and the far right. They discuss municipal wins, coalition math, wartime needs and seasonal culture in short, punchy conversations.
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Marseille Votes To Block Far Right Despite High Abstention
- In Marseille, incumbent Benoît Payan won around 56% against RN's Franck Allessio, reflecting a push to prevent a far-right mayor despite high abstention.
- The result left cultural and civil society actors relieved but aware the far right still surged to unprecedented levels.
Security Fueled Campaigns But Solutions Varied In Marseille
- Security and law-and-order dominated Marseille campaigning, but all candidates addressed it with differing approaches rather than the RN monopolising the issue.
- Payan emphasised unity in diversity and tackling housing and education in deprived neighborhoods as responses.
Blurring Between Mainstream Right And Far Right Reshapes Local Politics
- The mainstream right in parts of France is blurring with the far right, seen in candidates with mainstream roots adopting RN alliances and rhetoric.
- The left remains bitterly divided; strategic refusals to ally with radical left lists shaped outcomes in cities like Marseille.