Bardella tops headlines as RN leader eyeing 2027 win; 28-year-old ex-RN VP now president since 2022, steering far-right momentum in France. #FrancePolitics
On March 22, 2026, France concluded the second round of municipal elections in about 1,500 communes. Emmanuel Grégoire, Socialist candidate, won the Paris mayoralty, succeeding Anne Hidalgo. The left retained Marseille, while the far-right National Rally (RN) made gains in smaller southern cities like Perpignan and Nice. Voter turnout was 57%, the lowest since 2020, reflecting political disengagement ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Recent local elections across France, Slovenia, and Italy show a slowdown in far-right gains, with mainstream parties performing better than expected. Key cities like Paris and Marseille remain contested, highlighting the complex political landscape ahead of 2027 presidential votes.
Israel has increased military activity in southern Lebanon, aiming to establish a buffer zone against Hezbollah. Meanwhile, tensions escalate with Iran over ongoing conflicts in the region, with both sides engaging in media mockery and military strikes. The US and Iran are also engaged in diplomatic and economic tensions, including a partial shutdown in the US and efforts to negotiate over the Strait of Hormuz.
Peru has held a chaotic first round with 35 presidential candidates; Keiko Fujimori is leading with roughly 17% while second place remains contested between Roberto Sanchez and Rafael López Aliaga. The electoral authority head has resigned and thousands of contested ballots are being reviewed as observers say procedural errors occurred but no firm evidence of fraud has emerged.
Hungary has elected Péter Magyar, ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule. The election reflects shifts in Hungary's relationship with the EU, NATO, and global powers. US support for Orbán has diminished, and Magyar's victory signals a move toward rebuilding ties with Western institutions.
With one year to go, France has a crowded presidential field and the far-right National Rally (RN) is polling strongly. Marine Le Pen has met foreign envoys and her party leader Jordan Bardella has held ambassadorial meetings as RN is presenting a more moderate public face; Jean‑Luc Mélenchon has confirmed his fourth presidential bid.
Amid Cannes backlash, Xenia Fedorova’s public role in Bolloré’s media empire has intensified scrutiny of Kremlin-linked messaging in France. Sources describe a widening industry response to Bolloré’s influence across Canal+, CNews, Europe 1 and StudioCanal, with lawmakers and press groups calling for greater transparency.
France has seen multiple developments reshaping the 2027 presidential contest: Edouard Philippe has had a judicial inquiry opened over a 2020 Le Havre digital-hub contract; Reuters has reported a suspected disinformation campaign tied to a shadowy firm called BlackCore; and public rows between Kylian Mbappé and National Rally figures are intensifying the political debate.
France is investigating a failure to act after the disappearance of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl, and the discovery of her body near Fleurance. A 41-year-old father is in custody as the key suspect, amid renewed concerns about prior sexual assault allegations and the handling of those cases.
Lyhanna, 11, has been found dead near Fleurance. A 41-year-old father of a classmate is detained amid prior rape allegations that were previously dropped. France is facing protests and political scrutiny over the justice system’s handling of sexual violence cases against minors. Protests and political calls for reform follow the killing.