In Nice, Eric Ciotti leads the municipal race, surpassing incumbent mayor Christian Estrosi by about 12 points with Ciotti at roughly 43.4% to Estrosi’s 30.9% as of March 15, 2026.

Ciotti won the first round with 43.4% of the vote, signaling early momentum for the far-right ahead of France’s 2027 presidential race.

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Marine Le Pen and nationalist allies aim to leverage local elections to broaden support beyond traditional bases for the next national contest.

Estrosi’s campaign headquarters reflected a somber mood despite poll expectations, signaling a disappointing result for the outgoing mayor.

Left-wing candidate Juliette Chesnel-Roux (LFI) is at 11.93%, indicating a likely three-way runoff for the March 22, 2026 ballot.

Nice is a pivotal battleground in a broader push by far-right parties to gain influence in major cities and rural areas ahead of Macron’s 2027 presidency.

Ciotti and RN/UDR supporters express confidence, pledging a campaign focused on unity and calm, with Ciotti promising to be the mayor for all Nice residents.

Nice, as the fifth-largest city in France, sits at the heart of a trend where far-right candidates are nearing victory in urban districts.

Estrosi finished second with 30.9%, setting up a March 22 runoff with Ciotti and Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux (Greens) at 11.9%.