2026 Municipal Elections: What are the results in Caen after the first round?

Despite a promising start to the elections for Olivier's list, the final outcome may depend on whether opposition candidates on the left decide to unite behind a single challenger in the second round.

Nine electoral lists competed in the first round, reflecting a fragmented local political landscape. Olivier's closest challenger was environmentalist and left-wing candidate Rudy L'Orphelin, who secured 21.75% of the vote. Aurélien Guidi, representing the radical-left party La France Insoumise, came third with 12.51%. The candidate from the far-right party Rassemblement National finished further behind with 7.39%.

As no candidate obtained more than 50% of the vote, the election will move to a second round on 22nd March, in line with the two-round system used in French municipal elections. The runoff is expected to centre on Olivier and the leading candidates, namely from the left, though potential alliances or withdrawals could still reshape the contest.

A feeble turnout compared to pre-COVID elections

Turnout in Caen reached roughly 55%, a clear increase compared with the 2020 municipal election, which took place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and saw particularly low participation. This is in keeping with the national average, which sits at 57.17%, a prominent drop in participation compared to municipal elections in the pre-COVID era.

Overall, the first round in Caen reflects trends seen in several French cities during the 2026 municipal elections: strong performances by incumbents, a fragmented opposition and strategic manoeuvring between parties ahead of the decisive second round.