France, March 18 -- In his first public comments since the first round of voting last Sunday, Mr Macron said: "Extremes, wherever they may be, remain a danger to the republic."

France's two-round mayoral races are closely watched for indications of the political mood and patterns of tactical alliance. This year's elections are being regarded as a bellwether for the 2027 presidential contest, with Mr Macron due to stand down after completing two terms in office.

The far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, and the hard-left France Unbowed party of Jean-Luc Melenchon have both recorded gains in the first round.

In a notable result, an alliance of France Unbowed and the Communist Party has taken the Paris working-class suburb of Sa...