As the 2026 municipal elections approach, French political parties are facing significant challenges and strategic realignments. Les Ecologistes, having achieved success in major cities in 2020, are now at risk of losing ground, often finding themselves allied with the PS and targeted by LFI. The death of young activist Quentin Deranque has intensified the political climate, with LFI, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, persisting in its confrontational strategy, which has led to incidents like the vandalism of an LFI office in Belfort. Meanwhile, at least 98 deputies are running as lead candidates in the municipal elections, potentially vacating their seats in the National Assembly. The article also touches upon the potential seven-year mandate for mayors and municipal councilors and highlights specific cities to watch, alongside individual candidacies like André Santini's bid for a ninth term in Issy-les-Moulineaux.