Right-Wing Dynamics in France: RN's Growing Influence and LR-RN Sociological Convergences

As France approaches the second round of its 2026 municipal elections, the evolving relationship between right-wing parties Les Républicains (LR) and Rassemblement National (RN) is taking center stage. Analysis by Jean-Daniel Lévy from Harris Interactive reveals that RN commands a considerably larger support base, representing roughly 25% of the French population, compared to LR's below 10%. Since 2017, this support has diverged, with RN growing steadily while LR experiences decline.

Sociologically, voters for both parties share concerns about France’s future, yet RN supporters exhibit far greater pessimism—with only 13% believing conditions will improve by 2035 versus 26% among LR backers. Despite differences in intensity and outlook, both groups emphasize values of order, authority, and sovereignty, and notably agree on the necessity of a unified front against left-wing parties, particularly La France Insoumise. This overlap fosters potential for cooperation, as reflected in increasing alliances at the municipal level involving LR, RN, and even Reconquête!.

Meanwhile, the South of France remains a stronghold of RN municipal governance, with cities like Orange, Béziers, Fréjus, Beaucaire, and Perpignan offering insight into the party's political laboratory. RN-led municipalities exhibit varied governance models—from “showcase cities” emphasizing security and management efficiency, to “disruptive” and “normalized” municipalities seeking to break with past political patterns or appear conventional.

RN's local governance often reallocates budgets away from social and cultural policies toward security and immigration enforcement. This prioritization has raised concerns over weakened democratic pluralism and the erosion of civic engagement, alongside allegations of clientelism and corruption. Despite these challenges, RN's municipal strategy signals its ambition for territorial consolidation, particularly with eyes on more significant cities like Marseille.

These developments underline the shifting right-wing landscape in France, where a more pessimistic yet larger RN base coexists with LR's waning support, and where practical governance experiments in the South influence national political dynamics. With growing political cooperation and the persistence of contentious governance issues, the 2026 municipal elections are poised to shape the future trajectory of right-wing politics in France.