France, March 7 -- Campaigning is officially underway for France's municipal elections, which decide who heads local councils in some 35,000 communes across the country.

While turnout is typically some 10 percentage points lower than for presidential elections, they serve as a strong indicator of support for France's political parties - which are eyeing a pivotal ballot for France's new president in 2027. 

The votes are a key test of strength for the far-right National Rally (RN), which performed poorly in the last municipal votes in 2020 but went on to do well in European and parliamentary elections in 2024.

Looking to expand into larger urban areas in particular, the RN is fielding a record 650 lists. The party an...