Neighbouring France swings right

Annemasse train station

Municipal elections in eastern France have seen a clear shift to the right in parts of Haute-Savoie.

In Annemasse, the centre right Gabriel Doublet won outright in the first round, ending nearly fifty years of left-wing control. 

Centre-right and right-leaning candidates also made gains in nearby towns including Ambilly and Ville-la-Grand.

Several key races remain undecided, notably in Annecy and Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, where second-round runoffs will determine whether the broader political shift continues.

Turnout was generally very low for this first round vote.

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