Dijon local election results: First-round recap and what's at stake in the run-off

Last night, the streets of Dijon were buzzing. By 8pm, the first projections were out and campaign HQs were in full swing. For this first round of the council elections, a solid eight lists threw their hats in the ring—proof that our city is either crying out for change or keen to stick with what works, depending on which part of town you're in. As a local through and through, I hit up polling booths from the city centre all the way to Les Maladières, and let me tell you, there's something different about this election. You can tell people want real action, something substantial. So, who came out on top in this first round? What deals are shaping up for the run-off? And more importantly, how do you make sense of the political jumble? Grab a coffee, and I'll walk you through it.

A nail-biting night: The results roll in

Turnout hit nearly 58%, a decent showing that proves Dijon locals didn't shy away from the polls. Leading the pack is incumbent mayor François Rebsamen with around 34% of the vote. A solid result, but not enough to get him over the line in the first round. Hot on his heels, and frankly surprising everyone, Emmanuel Bichot has pulled off a blinder with close to 28%. He's well ahead of Greens candidate Claire Desmares, who's sitting at 16%. I've double-checked the numbers with a few sources close to campaign teams, and these figures are the real deal.

The other five tickets—ranging from the National Rally to the New Anti-Capitalist Party, plus a few right-wing and centrist independents—are left fighting for scraps. Only the lists that cracked the 10% mark can stay in the race for round two, which means we're in for some last-minute backroom deals over the coming days. I spotted campaigners hugging it out on Rue de la Liberté, while others, looking glum, packed up their posters in the old quarter. That's local politics for you: raw and real.

What decides the run-off: Alliances and vote flows

The second round, set for Sunday 22 March, is shaping up as a genuine slugfest. With two main blocs emerging, it'll all come down to how preferences flow. The LR candidate has already reached out to centre and hard-right voters, while the incumbent mayor is trying to rally support beyond his usual base. But here's the catch: Claire Desmares, despite coming third, could end up being the kingmaker. Her 16% is a hefty chunk, and if she throws her support behind either camp, it'll tip the scales. I had a yarn with some Greens voters outside the town hall—some are willing to back Rebsamen to keep the right out, while others are leaning towards sitting on their hands. The real game-changer is getting people to show up.

Here's what could decide the city's fate in the next few days:

• Centre preferences: Stéphane Lambert's (Modem) list got 9% and is out, but his supporters won't automatically swing to the right.
• The abstention risk: Among young people and working-class suburbs, the message might fall flat if there aren't solid promises on cost-of-living and safety.
• Possible three-way races: If the Greens stay in, we'll have three blocs, which usually plays into the incumbent's hands.

And then there's the classic eleventh-hour deal-making. Behind the scenes, phone lines are running hot. Word has it there could be a merger between the LR ticket and some right-wing independents, creating a united front with some serious firepower. On the left, they're trying to bring the NPA stragglers back into the fold for a united push. In short, it's a war of nerves.

Your practical guide: How to make your vote count in the run-off

Right, we've crunched the numbers, but what does your vote on March 22 actually do? Simple: you're electing the council that will run Dijon for the next six years. That council then picks the mayor. So, how do you get your head around it? Here's a handy election survival guide:

Step 1: Check you're enrolled. You've got until March 18 to get on the roll if you've moved or you're a first-time voter. Swing by your local town hall—it's quick.

Step 2: Compare policies. Don't just go by the lead candidates. Read the flyers, check out their websites. The big issues? Transport—the tram line, keeping the city clean, neighbourhood safety, and of course, arts and culture. Dijon's a city with history and heritage, but it's also a bustling hub on the move.

Step 3: For crying out loud, go vote! We've got an incredible chance to shape our own future. If you whinge about things afterwards, you've only got yourself to blame. Polling booths are open from 8am to 6pm. Don't forget your ID and your voter card.

Final thoughts: A city on the move

In thirty years of wandering around this town, I've watched Dijon change. From Darcy Square to Toison d'Or, past the uni campuses and industrial zones, every neighbourhood has its own voice. What's on the line next Sunday is the very soul of our city. Sure, the first-round results give us a clear picture, but nothing's set in stone. Case in point: back in 2014, no one saw the right-wing wave coming. It's up to us, the voters, to make the call. See you at the polls, and may the best team win!