Contested Race and Official Procedures Shape March 2026 Municipal Elections in France

France is gearing up for its municipal and community elections scheduled on March 15 and 22, 2026, with critical deadlines and candidate submissions set across various communes. Voter registration closes on February 6, 2026, and candidates must submit their applications in person between February 9 and 25 for the first round, and March 16 and 17 for the second round, according to the prefectures overseeing respective districts.

In Saint-Etienne, the upcoming election is especially competitive following the legal troubles of former mayor Gaël Perdriau, who was sentenced on December 1, 2025, for extortion, embezzlement, and criminal association, and has been incarcerated since January 7, 2025. This has spurred a crowded field with four right and center candidates emerging: Siham Labich, second deputy mayor, announced her candidacy on January 12, drawing significant support; Dino Cinieri from Les Républicains; Eric Le Jaouen from Horizons; and Marc Chassaubéné, the first deputy mayor and a close ally of Perdriau, who along with Jean-Pierre Berger kept their intentions quiet, causing tensions within the municipal majority.

Candidates nationwide can access essential resources such as official decrees, memos, application forms, and financing details to prepare their campaigns.

These elections will test political allegiances amid dynamic candidate landscapes, particularly in cities such as Saint-Etienne, while following strict procedural guidelines set by local administrations.