The first round of French mayoral elections has led mainstream parties to consider risky electoral pacts with far-left and far-right parties to secure victories. In cities like Marseille and Paris, candidates face dilemmas about forming alliances that could damage their reputations. The far-left LFI, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has seen its previous alliances with the Socialists unravel due to recent controversies. While some local arrangements are being made, the overall atmosphere is charged with accusations of hypocrisy and double standards. Teljes cikk (bbc.com europe)