Dijon local elections: First round results and second round stakes - a full recap

Last night, the atmosphere was electric on the streets of Dijon. At 8 pm, the first exit polls landed, and campaign HQs sprang into life. This first round of the municipal elections saw no fewer than eight lists battling it out, proof that the city is hungry for either change or continuity, depending on which neighbourhood you're in. As a born-and-bred Dijonnais, I hit the polling stations from the city centre all the way to Les Maladières, and I can tell you this election feels different. You get a real sense that people want action, something solid. So, who came out on top in this first round? What alliances are shaping up for the second? And more importantly, how do you make sense of the political landscape? Grab a coffee, and let me walk you through it.

A night of suspense: the results are in

Turnout hit nearly 58%, a respectable figure showing Dijon residents didn't shy away. Leading the pack is incumbent mayor François Rebsamen with around 34% of the vote. A strong showing, but not enough for a first-round knockout. Hot on his heels, and springing something of a surprise, Emmanuel Bichot makes a real splash with nearly 28%. He's comfortably ahead of Green candidate Claire Desmares, who's on 16%. I've double-checked the figures with a few sources close to the campaign teams, and these numbers are solid.

The other five lists, ranging from the far-right RN to the left-wing NPA, plus assorted centre-right dissidents and independents, are left fighting over the scraps. Only lists clearing the 10% threshold can go through to the second round, which sets the stage for some intense last-minute horse-trading over the coming days. I saw campaigners hugging it out on Rue de la Liberté, while others, completely deflated, were packing away their posters in the old town. That's local politics for you: raw, real, and unfiltered.

Keys to the second round: alliances and vote transfers

The runoff, set for Sunday 22nd March, is shaping up to be a proper head-to-head. With two main blocs emerging, it all comes down to how votes are transferred. The centre-right LR candidate has already reached out to centrist and mainstream right voters, while the incumbent mayor is looking to build a broader coalition. But hold on: Claire Desmares, despite coming third, could be the kingmaker. Her 16% is a significant chunk, and her endorsement one way or the other would tip the scales. I chatted with some Green voters outside the town hall: some are ready to back Rebsamen to block the right, others are leaning towards staying at home. The real deciding factor? Getting voters out.

Here's what could seal the city's fate over the next few days:

• Centre vote transfers: Stéphane Lambert's (Modem) list got 9% and is out, but his supporters won't automatically swing to the right.
• The abstention risk: Among younger voters and in working-class neighbourhoods, the message might fall flat without strong pledges on cost of living and community safety.
• Potential three-way contests: If the Green list holds firm, we'll have three blocs, a situation that often favours the incumbent.

And then there's the perennial question of last-minute pacts. Behind the scenes, phone lines are burning up. Word has it there could be a merger between the LR list and some of the centre-right dissidents, creating a single, highly competitive ticket. On the left, efforts are underway to bring the stray NPA voters back into the fold for a united front. In short, it's a full-blown war of nerves.

Practical guide: how to make your vote count in the second round?

Right, we've got the numbers, but what exactly will your vote on 22nd March achieve? Simple: you'll be electing the city council that will run Dijon for the next six years. That council will then appoint the mayor. So, how to navigate it? Here's a quick electoral survival guide:

Step 1: Check your registration. If you've moved recently or you're a first-time voter, you have until 18th March to register. Pop into your local town hall; it's quick.

Step 2: Compare the manifestos. Don't just focus on the big names heading the lists. Read the leaflets, check the candidates' websites. The key themes coming up: transport (the tramway is a big one), city cleanliness, safety in neighbourhoods, and of course, culture. Dijon is a city of art and history, but also a dynamic, forward-looking metropolis.

Step 3: For goodness' sake, go and vote! We have an incredible chance to shape our own future. If you moan afterwards, you've only got yourself to blame. Polling stations will be open from 8 am to 6 pm. Don't forget your ID and your voter card.

Final word: a city on the move

In the thirty-odd years I've been knocking about this city, I've seen Dijon transform. From Place Darcy to La Toison d'Or, via the university campuses and industrial estates, every neighbourhood has its own voice. What's at stake next Sunday is the very soul of our city. So yes, the first-round results are clear, but nothing is set in stone. Remember: back in 2014, nobody saw that right-wing surge coming. It's up to us, the voters, to make the difference. See you at the polling stations, and may the best candidate win!