Proposed by Renaissance deputy Sylvain Maillard and backed by the government, the reform aims to replace a voting system that has been in place since 1982, which allowed mayors to be elected with a minority of votes.

The French National Assembly is currently debating a proposed law that seeks to reform the voting system for municipal elections in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.

The current voting system, which has been in place since 1982, has resulted in low voter turnout and feelings of disenfranchisement, leading proponents to argue that the reform is necessary to ensure equal voting rights.

Further discussions on the reform are set to continue in the Assembly, highlighting the ongoing political tensions and differing motivations surrounding this contentious proposal.

The debate in the National Assembly began on April 6, 2025, with support from Prime Minister François Bayrou, but skepticism remains regarding its approval in the Senate, where discussions are scheduled for June.

Opponents argue that the reform is rushed and creates a special regime regarding the majority premium, complicating the voting structure in Lyon with three simultaneous ballots.

However, the reform has faced significant opposition from various political factions, including the Communist Party, which argues it serves the ruling party's ambitions rather than genuine democratic needs.

Critics have labeled the reform as poorly conceived, warning it could weaken the connection between central city administrations and their districts, particularly in Lyon, where the mayor has voiced strong opposition.

This reform introduces two simultaneous electoral votes: one for district councilors and another for municipal council members, aiming to enhance representativity.

Despite strong opposition from the Republicans and a majority of left-wing parties, the reform may gain unexpected support from the National Rally and La France Insoumise in the Assembly.

In Paris, both left and right factions oppose the reform, with socialists claiming it undermines local governance and centralizes power, while right-wing members fear it will diminish the authority of arrondissement mayors.

Critics, including Communist group leader Stéphane Peu, accuse the proponents of masking political ambitions with democratic rhetoric ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.