New Mayors Installed in Lille, Clichy, and Rennes Following 2026 Municipal Elections

In the wake of the 2026 municipal elections, the French cities of Lille, Clichy, and Rennes have held their municipal council installation sessions, electing their respective mayors and deputies to lead local governance over the next six years.

In Lille, Arnaud Deslandes was elected mayor, heading a council comprising 61 elected officials, including 24 deputies and 22 municipal councilors. The voter turnout in Lille's elections was 52.30% of 126,088 registered voters, with 65,950 ballots cast, including 530 blank and 387 null votes. Among the newly appointed deputies are Stéphane Baly as first deputy and Julie Nicolas as the 24th, while notable municipal councilors include Olivier Caremelle of Lomme and Franck Gherbi of Hellemmes.

Meanwhile, Clichy re-elected Rémi Muzeau as mayor with 37 votes during the council installation. The council consists of 49 members: the mayor, 18 deputies, 18 majority municipal councilors, and 12 opposition councillors. Muzeau has pledged to focus on ensuring quality of life in Clichy, stating, "Bien vivre à Clichy, c’est la promesse que nous avons faite… c’est le projet auquel je vais me consacrer avec mon équipe."

In Rennes, Nathalie Appéré was re-elected mayor with 45 votes during a solemn council meeting attended by 61 elected members. Her left-wing coalition holds 44 seats, the centrist list led by Charles Compagnon secured 11 seats, and the LFI list of Marie Mesmeur gained 6 seats. Appéré emphasized her strong emotional ties to Rennes and her commitment to unity. The opposition expressed concern regarding high abstention rates and signaled a more radical and antifascist approach. Marc Hervé was confirmed as the first deputy in charge of Urbanism, and 23 deputy mayors were appointed.

These installations mark a new chapter for these urban centers as elected officials prepare to govern and address local priorities following voter engagement at varying levels across the cities.