Overview

• The Constitutional Council upheld the reform on August 7, citing constitutional pluralism as the basis for ending the PLM law’s arrondissement-based majorities
• Voters in Paris and Marseille will use two ballots to elect central municipal and local subdivision councils, while Lyon residents will cast a third ballot for metropolitan council representatives
• The reform reduces the majority premium for leading lists from 50% to 25%, aiming to align council compositions more closely with citywide vote shares
• Critics argue the change was timed to benefit high-profile candidates such as Rachida Dati and could facilitate National Rally entry into the Council of Paris
• Marseille sector mayors have warned of unclear representation rules on candidate lists and are awaiting an implementing decree to resolve outstanding questions