The French government has fixed the next nationwide municipal elections for 15 and 22 March 2026. Government spokesperson Sophie Primas said the dates were approved at Wednesday’s Council of Ministers meeting, during which Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau presented the enabling decree. Barring an early dissolution of the National Assembly or a snap presidential vote, the two-round ballot will be the country’s next scheduled election. Shortly after the announcement, right-wing deputy and Union des droites pour la République president Éric Ciotti used TF1’s lunchtime newscast to declare his candidacy for mayor of Nice. His entry sets up a high-profile contest against incumbent Christian Estrosi, who is seeking a fourth term. Ciotti, who has allied with the Rassemblement national, said he aims to “offer a new hope” to residents and vowed to roll back a 25 % local tax increase. The Nice race is expected to be one of the most closely watched battles of the 2026 municipal cycle.