Marseille is a haven for artists and progressives. How could it be on the cusp of far-right rule?

‘Marseille’s politics have always. been contested.’ Photograph: Monsieur Franck/Getty Images/500px

For many in Marseille, the far right in France’s second city will be for ever associated with the killing of Ibrahim Ali.

In 1995, the teenager was leaving a rap band rehearsal with friends when they crossed paths with three National Front militants who were putting up posters in support of the Front’s founder and then leader, Jean-Marie Le Pen. Ibrahim was shot in the back as he ran to catch his bus. Thirty-one years later, the National Front is now Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) and polls suggest the party could take Marseille in forthcoming nationwide municipal elections. The first of two voting rounds is scheduled for 15 March.