Key Candidates Shape the 2026 French Municipal Elections in Cannet and Marseille

The 2026 French municipal elections are spotlighting prominent candidates in cities like Cannet and Marseille, revealing vibrant political contests and strategic campaigns.

In Cannet, Michèle Tabarot, a seasoned member of Les Républicains (LR), has announced her candidacy for mayor, aiming for a sixth term in office. Tabarot, 63, previously served as mayor until 2017 when she stepped down due to the non-cumulation of mandates but maintained her influence in municipal affairs. She launched her campaign under the slogan “Continuons ensemble” with support from figures including her brother, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. Notable achievements highlighted by her campaign include reducing the town’s municipal debt by €10 million, increasing investment by 35%, and a 22% drop in public crime over the past year. In the 2020 elections, she won with 60.38%, defeating National Rally (RN) candidate Franck Galbert, who is expected to challenge her again in 2026. Despite tough competition in 2024 legislative elections, Tabarot retained her parliamentary seat and continues to serve as vice-president of the LR group in the National Assembly, while actively contesting party alliances she opposes.

Meanwhile, Marseille’s municipal elections gain fresh significance as they will be conducted city-wide for the first time since the Paris-Lyon-Marseille (PLM) electoral reform, diminishing the role of sector mayor elections. Incumbent Mayor Benoît Payan, representing the leftist coalition Printemps marseillais, seeks re-election after taking office in 2020. He faces formidable competition from Franck Allisio of the RN and Martine Vassal, a right and center coalition leader who was defeated six years ago. La France insoumise’s Sébastien Delogu also contests the race. Additional candidates increase competitiveness, including Erwan Davoux, a former senior official running with Nora Preziosi, a former LR member, and 76-year-old ecological activist Victor Hugo Espinosa, who champions green interests.

Both Cannet and Marseille’s electoral battles exemplify the dynamic political landscape of the 2026 municipal elections, reflecting deep local connections, shifting alliances, and an emphasis on voter engagement across the country’s diverse urban centers.