Constitutional Council Approves New Voting System for Major French Cities

The Constitutional Council of France has officially approved a significant reform to the voting system for municipal elections in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, a decision announced on August 7, 2025. This new law will permit voters to directly elect central city councilors alongside their district representatives, enhancing the representation of diverse political ideologies in these populous areas.

The reform introduces a dual ballot system, where residents will utilize two separate urns: one for electing councilors of the central municipal body and another for district representatives. This change is set to take effect in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for March 2026, aligning with the constitutional principles of political pluralism.

Support for the new system stems from its aim to bolster direct political engagement, as expressed by various lawmakers. Marseille's mayor, Benoît Payan, welcomed the shift toward a more direct voting mechanism. In contrast, some right-wing officials perceive the reform as a manipulation of electoral rules, with criticisms highlighting concerns over the reduction of the majority premium from 50% to 25%. Political figures such as Renaud Muselier and Martine Vassal have voiced their opposition, hinting at impending electoral strategies in response to the changes. The landscape of political competition in these cities is poised for notable changes as parties gear up for the elections in 2026.