Green party and its left-wing allies have gained success in the second round of local elections in France. Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, and Besançon all voted for the party.

On the other hand, President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist LREM party failed to win votes in any major city.

Female mayoral candidates were dominant, as they are on the track to lead half of the 10 largest cities.

Turnout was a record low, voters were required to wear face masks in wake of coronavirus pandemic. Around 40 percent of the electorate participated. An Élysée Palace official said Mr. Macron had expressed “concern” about the low numbers.

According to the international news agency, Green candidates or politicians supported by the Greens have won in cities including Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, and Nancy.

The center-right newspaper Le Figaro said France’s “whole political landscape has been turned upside down”. While center-left paper Le Monde said the party was now “a major force in opposition” to President Macron.

Incumbent Mayor Anne Hidalgo won in Paris. Martine Aubry was narrowly re-elected in Lille.

The first round of municipal elections took place two days before the government enforced lockdown on 17th March.

The second round has postponed until Sunday.