French political parties seek alliances before final round of local elections

Emmanuel Grégoire, the Socialist party candidate for Paris, is leading after the first round. Photograph: Benoît Tessier/Reuters

Political parties in France are hastily attempting to negotiate strategic alliances before the final round of local elections this weekend, after a strong showing by the far right and the radical left.

This Sunday’s final-round vote for mayors and local councillors in major cities including Marseille, Lyon and Paris is expected to be close.