French Municipal Elections 2026: Local Safety and Taxes Emerge as Top Voter Concerns

Voters Prioritize Local Issues Ahead of March 2026 Elections

As France prepares for its municipal elections in March 2026, recent polling data highlights that local safety and taxation are the primary concerns for citizens. The elections, scheduled for March 15 and March 22, 2026, will see French and eligible EU citizens elect local councillors who, in turn, appoint mayors across the country's communes. These elections are considered highly significant as they directly impact daily life, influencing decisions on local taxes, planning, schools, roads, and community services.

The Dominance of Local Safety Concerns

Local safety has emerged as the most critical factor for French citizens, with a recent survey conducted for Les Echos and Radio Classique indicating that 58% of respondents cited it as a major concern. This figure represents a four-point increase from a similar poll conducted in March 2025. Another poll by IFOP for La Tribune Dimanche found an even higher level of concern, with 76% of respondents expressing worry about the safety of people and property. This heightened focus on security reflects a broader trend where issues traditionally handled at a national level are increasingly becoming central to municipal debates. Candidates for mayoral positions are expected to present concrete proposals addressing various aspects of local safety, including municipal policing, public space tranquility, and crime prevention.

Taxation and Local Finances Under Scrutiny

Alongside safety, local taxes are a significant concern for voters. The Les Echos and Radio Classique poll reported that 41% of citizens are focused on local taxation, while another survey noted 60% concern regarding the level of local taxes. Local authorities in France are responsible for collecting and spending local property taxes, alongside state funds. Many communes are currently facing financial challenges due to changes in funding allocation. The impact of local financial management is evident, with property tax increases averaging only 1.7% in 2025 across the 200 largest French cities, a trend potentially influenced by the upcoming elections. Some mayoral candidates have already begun to propose measures such as cutting property taxes to address these voter concerns.

Broader Local Issues and Electoral Context

Beyond safety and taxes, other local issues are also shaping voter sentiment. These include:

• Quality of life and environment: Cited by 47% of respondents.
• Cleanliness: A concern for 39% of citizens.
• Healthcare: Identified as a priority by 66% in one poll.
• Infrastructure: Transport and water infrastructure have also been highlighted as top concerns.

Conversely, issues such as immigration, traffic, parking, cultural life, and amenities for young children were cited as less important. The elections will see approximately 34,000 mayors and 600,000 council members elected. Mayors in France hold considerable autonomy and are often seen as the 'pivot' of local public action, serving as the primary point of contact for daily concerns. Changes to the electoral system are also being implemented, particularly in municipalities with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, where a proportional and equal list ballot system will be adopted, requiring gender parity on candidate lists. In major cities like Paris, voters will cast two ballots, one for arrondissement councillors and another for city councillors.