Tight Race in Nice: Ciotti Leads Estrosi in First Round of Municipal Elections
Nice, France – In a closely watched municipal election, Éric Ciotti has emerged with a significant lead over incumbent Christian Estrosi in the first round of voting held Sunday, March 15, 2026. The outcome sets the stage for a potentially dramatic runoff as voters decide who will lead the city of Nice, a major municipality on the French Riviera.
According to official results from the Ministry of the Interior, Ciotti, representing the Union of the Right and the National Rally, secured 43.43% of the vote. Estrosi, of the Horizons party, trailed with 30.92%. This marks a notable challenge to Estrosi’s long-standing leadership, as he has served as mayor since 2008.
Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux (Union of the Left) received 11.93% of the vote, followed by Mireille Damiano (La France Insoumise) with 8.95%. Céline Forjonnel (Divers) garnered 2.24%, Cédric Vella (Reconquête) received 1.86%, and Estelle Jaquet (LO) obtained 0.67%.
“The voters have spoken clearly, and I believe with their hearts,” Ciotti stated, adding, “They have given us the position that will allow us to initiate change and an alternation in power.”
Ciotti, Estrosi, and Chesnel-Le Roux are positioned to advance to the second round. Damiano, falling short of the 10% threshold, will not participate in the runoff.
The election in Nice has been particularly contentious, given the history between Ciotti and Estrosi. Ciotti’s decision to challenge Estrosi, who was once his mentor, has underscored a growing rift between the two politicians. The campaign was marked by heated exchanges, with both sides criticizing the tone of the race.
During a debate on BFMTV on March 7, both Chesnel-Le Roux and Damiano criticized what they described as a “violent” campaign waged by their opponents. They struggled to gain traction in a city that has never elected a left-wing mayor under the Fifth Republic.
If Ciotti were to unseat Estrosi, it would finish a mayoral tenure that began in 2008. The outcome of the second round will be closely watched as a bellwether for the political landscape in France. More on Europe1.fr
Full results from BFM TV show Ciotti with a substantial lead.
Nice-Presse.com reports that Ciotti is significantly ahead, with Estrosi awaiting a decision from the left regarding a potential “republican barrier” in the second round.
