In the context of the upcoming municipal elections, scheduled for March 15 and 22, 2026, residents of the 12th arrondissement of Paris will once again have a voice in a changing institutional landscape. A reform of the voting process has been approved by Parliament and will be implemented for these votes, significantly transforming the way local and municipal representatives are elected.
Here's everything you need to know, including the candidates running for mayor in the 12th arrondissement of the capital.
For the first time, every Parisian voter will cast two ballots on the same day: the first to elect local district councilors, who in turn will choose the district mayor, and a second to vote for Paris city councilors, who sit on the Paris Municipal Council and will then select the mayor of Paris. These two separate elections are held at the same polling station but require two different ballots and two consecutive voting steps.
The voting method remains a two-round party-list system with a majority bonus, applicable both to the district council and the Paris Council. At the municipal level, the leading list receives a bonus of seats, with the remaining seats allocated proportionally among lists that pass a specific vote threshold.
This reform aims to clarify and modernize Paris's electoral system by explicitly distinguishing between elections for district representatives and those for municipal officials.
The 12th arrondissement of Paris is located in the eastern part of the city, nestled between Place de la Bastille, the Gare de Lyon, and the Bois de Vincennes. Residential and vibrant, this neighborhood is prized for striking the right balance between lively urban life and green spaces. Its growth accelerated in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway and major transport infrastructure. Today, the Bercy district, once dedicated to wine warehouses, has been completely redeveloped, featuring offices, housing, shops, and leisure venues.
The 12th arrondissement is also renowned for its scenic public spaces, including the vast Bois de Vincennes, one of Paris's largest green areas, and the René-Dumont Green Corridor, an old rail line transformed into a lush walkway. On the cultural front, the Opéra Bastille and Bercy Arena host concerts and events throughout the year. The district also boasts numerous
Find out right away who the candidates are for the 12th arrondissement of Paris, as of February 10, 2026.
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Municipal Elections 2026 in Paris: Your FAQs Answered
