Socialists battle to hold Paris in key mayoral elections in France

The capital could shift to the right after 25 years under the Socialists if Rachida Dati defeats Emmanuel Grégoire.

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Excitement is especially high in the capital Paris and the city of Nice on the Riviera.

The capital could shift to the right after 25 years under a Socialist-led coalition, if Rachida Dati comes from behind in the opinion polls to defeat Emmanuel Grégoire.

And in Nice, a hard-right ally of Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN), Eric Ciotti, seems on course for victory.

But in this second round of municipal elections, the biggest focus across the country is on the hard-left party France Unbowed (LFI).