Mayors for major French towns and cities will be elected on Sunday, with significant attention on Paris and Nice. Rachida Dati may shift Paris to the right after 25 years of Socialist leadership, while Eric Ciotti is favored in Nice. The hard-left party France Unbowed (LFI) is forming alliances with left-wing parties to consolidate votes against the right. The outcome of these alliances, especially in Toulouse, will be crucial ahead of the 2027 elections. The left's strategy faces criticism for alleged antisemitism and opportunism, particularly after recent violent incidents. The situation reflects a growing confidence in LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon as he aims to consolidate left-wing support for the presidential elections. Teljes cikk (bbc.com europe)