Sebastien Delogu, representing the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, has withdrawn from the second round of Marseille’s mayoral election in an effort to prevent the far-right National Rally (RN) from winning the city. Delogu had secured nearly 12% of votes in the first round, trailing Socialist incumbent Benoit Payan and RN candidate Franck Allisio, who received 36% and 35% respectively. His withdrawal leaves a three-way contest between Payan, Allisio, and conservative Martine Vassal in the upcoming vote on Sunday.

Delogu stated that he was pulling out to avoid endorsing a strategy that could threaten the city, while criticizing Payan for declining a formal alliance to unify opposition against the far-right. The RN, known for its anti-immigration and eurosceptic policies, has historically struggled in urban areas, but Marseille’s security challenges, including drug- and gang-related violence, have given the party a chance at a significant victory.

The withdrawal comes amid last-minute negotiations between left-wing parties across France to block RN candidates, with agreements reached in some cities such as Lyon and Toulouse, but not in Marseille, Paris, and Lille. In the capital, LFI candidate Sophia Chikirou urged the Socialists to merge lists, emphasizing the urgency for the left to act responsibly and prevent right-wing control of city halls.

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