Electoral reform: Parliament approves changes for the 2026 municipal elections in Paris, Lyon and Marseille
The recent municipal electoral reform promises to revolutionize the electoral landscape in major French cities. Indeed, following a final vote by Parliament, the voting rules for the 2026 municipal elections in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille will change, reflecting a pressing need to rebalance democracy. This change, championed by Macronist MPs Sylvain Maillard and David Amiel, was widely endorsed in a tense political climate. Details of the electoral reformThe reform, deemed “a major step forward for democracy,” aims to apply a fundamental principle: every vote counts equally. Before this revision, voters in the three cities cast their ballots in their respective arrondissements, which often led to electoral imbalances. Here are some key points of this reform: Creation of two separate ballots: one for arrondissement councilors and the other for the municipal council within a single constituency. Reduction of the majority bonus to 25%, down from 50% previously. Introduction of a third ballot in Lyon for the Metropolitan Area. ElementOld rule New rule Majority bonus 50% 25%
Constituency
Separate boroughs
- Single constituency for the municipal council
- Ballots
- One for all councilors
| Two ballots + a third in Lyon | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaL4KYc5INA | A controversial political victory |
|---|---|---|
| This vote was achieved thanks to an unprecedented coalition bringing together the presidential camp, the right, the National Rally (RN), and even La France Insoumise (LFI), in the face of opposition from the Socialists. Indeed, this bill had been rejected twice by the Senate, accused of excessively reducing the power of the districts and accelerating contested reforms. However, in the National Assembly, enthusiasm was palpable, and the majority of deputies recognized the need for change. | The bill was adopted by 112 votes to 28. | The deputies believe it puts an end to a democratic anomaly. |
| Criticisms from the left, while present, are varied and sometimes shared. | Reinvigorating local democracy | Supporters of this reform firmly believe it will revitalize local democracy. Indeed, political figures such as Sylvain Maillard argue that it will make the electoral process “more transparent” and allow for better representation of the votes cast. For her part, the RN MP emphasized that the bill aims to simplify a system that is difficult for voters to understand. |
| Fears and Reluctance Regarding the Reform | Despite the enthusiasm displayed, concerns remain, particularly among some local elected officials. Paris’s Socialist Party mayor, Anne Hidalgo, for example, expressed her reservations alongside the traditional right. This opposition is reinforced by memories of past elections, where similar changes were introduced with mixed results. Some call it “madness,” while others believe this reform is actually a necessity. | The senatorial right fiercely opposes this bill. |
Elected officials fear a dilution of the municipal balance in favor of the dominant parties. Political Position
Opinion on Reform
- Presidential Majority
- For
- National Rally
For
La France Insoumise For Socialists
Against
Senatorial Right
- Against
- As electoral reform moves forward, the road to the 2026 municipal elections already seems paved with tensions and debates. What will the consequences be? The Constitutional Council’s verdict, expected soon, could well redraw the political map of France’s major cities.
