Dijon Municipal Elections Results: First Round Recap & Key Issues for the Final Round

The atmosphere was electric on Dijon's streets last night. By 8 PM, the first estimates were out, and campaign headquarters were buzzing. For this first round of the municipal elections, no fewer than eight lists were in the fray, a clear sign that the city is eager for either change or continuity, depending on which neighbourhood you're in. As a born-and-bred Dijonnais, I toured polling stations from the city centre to Les Maladières, and let me tell you, this election feels special. You can sense people want practical, solid solutions. So, who emerged as the winners from this first round? What alliances are taking shape for the final round? And most importantly, how do you make sense of this political landscape? Settle in, I'll give you the full picture.

A suspenseful evening: the results are in

Turnout touched nearly 58%, a respectable figure showing that the people of Dijon didn't shy away. Leading the pack is incumbent mayor François Rebsamen with around 34% of the vote. A strong score, but not enough for a first-round knockout. Right on his heels, much to everyone's surprise, Emmanuel Bichot has caused a sensation with nearly 28%. He's clearly ahead of the Green candidate Claire Desmares, who's at 16%. I've cross-checked this information with several sources close to the campaign teams: these numbers are solid.

The other five lists, ranging from the RN to the NPA, including various right-wing and centrist dissidents, are sharing the remaining votes. Only lists crossing the 10% mark can progress to the final round, which sets the stage for some last-minute negotiations in the coming days. I saw activists hugging it out on Rue de la Liberté, while others, disheartened, were packing up their posters in the old town. That's local politics for you: raw and real.

Keys to the final round: alliances and vote transfers

The final round, scheduled for Sunday, March 22nd, is shaping up to be a real heavyweight clash. With two main blocs emerging, everything will hinge on vote transfers. The LR candidate has already reached out to centrist and hard-right voters, while the incumbent mayor is trying to rally support beyond his own camp. But hold on: Claire Desmares, despite being in third, could play the role of kingmaker. Her 16% is significant, and her backing for either candidate could tip the scales. I chatted with some Green voters outside the town hall: some are ready to vote for Rebsamen to block the right, others prefer to abstain. The real game-changer is voter turnout.

Here’s what could decide the city's fate in the coming days:

• Centrist vote transfers: Stéphane Lambert's list (Modem) got 9% and is out, but his voters won't necessarily swing to the right.
• The pull of abstention: Among young people and in working-class neighbourhoods, the campaign messages might fall flat without strong proposals on cost of living and safety.
• Potential three-way races: If the Green list stays in, we'll have three blocs, which often favours the incumbent.

And then, of course, there's the classic question of last-minute alliances. Behind the scenes, phone lines are burning up. There's talk of a possible merger between the LR list and some right-wing dissidents, which would create a single, highly aggressive ticket. On the left, efforts are on to bring stray NPA members back into the fold for a united front. In short, it's a war of nerves.

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

Okay, we've got the numbers, but what exactly will your vote on March 22nd achieve? It's simple: you will be electing the municipal council that will govern Dijon for the next six years. This council will then elect the mayor. So, how do you navigate it? Here's a handy election survival guide:

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

Step 2: Compare the manifestos. Don't just focus on the lead candidates. Read the pamphlets, check out the candidates' websites. The key issues are: transport (especially the tram), city cleanliness, neighbourhood safety, and of course, culture. Dijon is a city of art and history, but also a dynamic metropolis.

Step 3: For heaven's sake, go vote! We have an incredible opportunity to decide our own future. If you complain later, you'll only have yourself to blame. Polling stations will be open from 8 AM to 6 PM. Don't forget your ID and voter card.

Final word: a city on the move

In the thirty years I've been wandering around this city, I've seen Dijon transform. From Place Darcy to La Toison d'Or, including the university campuses and industrial zones, 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 decided yet. Remember: in 2014, no one saw the right-wing wave coming. It's up to us, the voters, to make the difference. See you at the polling booths, and may the best candidate win!