French voters to choose mayors in key cities including Paris and Marseille

French voters are heading to polls Sunday for mayoral runoff elections in major cities including Paris and Marseille. The leftist parties are defending their traditional control of these urban strongholds while the far-right National Rally is attempting to expand its municipal representation. These local contests serve as a crucial gauge of political momentum ahead of France's next presidential election. Control of major cities affects policy on housing, public services, and immigration—issues where the far right has gained ground nationally. The outcome will reveal whether the left can retain its grip on France's urban centers or if the far right's recent electoral gains are translating into local victories.