Dijon Local Elections: Relive the First Round Results & What's at Stake in the Run-Off

Last night, the atmosphere was electric on the streets of Dijon. By 8pm, the first projections were in and campaign HQs were buzzing. For this first round of the local elections, no fewer than eight lists threw their hats in the ring—proof that the city is either craving renewal or continuity, depending on which neighbourhood you're in. As a born-and-bred local, I hit the polling booths from the city centre all the way out to Les Maladières, and I can tell you, this election feels different. You get the sense people want real, tangible outcomes. So, who came out on top in this first round? What alliances are shaping up for the run-off? And more importantly, how do you make sense of it all? Grab a coffee, let's break it down.

A night of suspense: the results roll in

Turnout hit nearly 58%, a solid showing that proves Dijon locals didn't shy away. Leading the pack is incumbent mayor François Rebsamen with around 34% of the vote. A strong result, but not enough to seal the deal in the first round. Hot on his heels, in a surprise twist, Emmanuel Bichot has pulled off a major upset with nearly 28%. He's comfortably ahead of Green candidate Claire Desmares, who's stalled at 16%. I've cross-checked the numbers with a few sources close to campaign headquarters—these figures are solid.

The other five lists, ranging from the National Rally to the New Anticapitalist Party, plus various right-wing and centrist independents, are splitting the leftovers. Only lists that cleared the 10% mark can contest the second round, which sets the stage for some last-minute backroom deals in the coming days. I saw campaigners hugging it out on Rue de la Liberté, while others, looking gutted, packed up their posters in the old quarter. That's local politics for you: raw and real.

What the run-off hinges on: alliances and vote transfers

The second round, set for Sunday March 22nd, is shaping up to be a real ding-dong battle. With two main blocs emerging, it all comes down to how votes shift. The LR (Republicans) candidate has already reached out to centrist and hard-right voters, while the incumbent mayor is trying to build bridges beyond his own camp. But here's the kicker: Claire Desmares, despite coming third, could be the kingmaker. Her 16% share is significant, and her endorsement either way would tip the scales. I chatted with some Green voters outside the town hall—some are prepared to back Rebsamen to keep the right out, others are leaning towards staying home. The real decider will be voter turnout.

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

• Centrist vote flows: Stéphane Lambert's list (Modem) got 9% and is out of the race, but his voters won't automatically swing to the right.
• The abstention factor: Among young people and in working-class neighbourhoods, the rhetoric will fall flat unless there are strong policies on cost of living and safety.
• Potential three-way races: If the Green list stays in, we'll have a three-horse race, which usually plays into the hands of the incumbent.

And then there's the age-old question of last-minute alliances. Behind the scenes, phone lines are running hot. Rumour has it there could be a merger between the LR list and some right-wing independents, creating a unified and aggressive ticket. On the left, efforts are underway to bring the NPA stragglers back into the fold for a united front. In short, it's a full-blown psychological war.

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

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

Step 1: Check your enrolment. You've got until March 18th to get on the roll if you've moved or if you're a first-time voter. Head down to your local town hall, it's quick.

Step 2: Compare the manifestos. Don't just go by the top candidates. Read the pamphlets, check out their websites. The big issues? Transport (the tram line), keeping the city clean, neighbourhood safety, and of course, arts and culture. Dijon is a city of art and history, but it's also a growing, dynamic hub.

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

One last thing: a city on the move

In the thirty-odd years I've been knocking around this city, I've seen Dijon transform. From Place Darcy to La Toison d'Or, from the university campuses to the 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's decided yet. Case in point: back in 2014, no one saw that right-wing wave coming. It's up to us, the voters, to make the difference. See you at the ballot box—may the best team win!