La Francia Insumisa consolidates its bid for the immigrant-origin vote in the 'banlieue'.

Saint-Denis is a key site in France’s electoral laboratory with a diverse demographic profile that shapes its politics.

“Market day is in Saint-Denis”

El País

Bally Bagayoko, a French national of Malian origin and candidate of La France Insoumise (LFI), was elected mayor with 50.77%.

El País

Saint-Denis has 150,000 inhabitants and is identified by the postal code 93, the poorest department in France with the most immigrants, a third of the population, and the youngest in the country.

This demographic mix is described as a perfect cocktail for electoral dynamics.

The first round of municipal elections, held last Sunday, showed the left remained a decisive force, with LFI poised to influence the second round across the country.

Mélenchon’s strategy to link LFI with Muslim and Arab-African-origin voters disenfranchised in the Paris suburbs is highlighted as a key factor.

About 11% of the French population identifies as Muslim according to a 2022 TeO2 survey by INED/INSEE.

Voters like Yasin, born in Algiers, view Bagayoko’s promises—free meals for children, a bicycle for students, and rent controls—as potentially positive but question funding.

Observers note that Bagayoko’s victory has caused national discussion on the interplay of demographics and politics, including perceptions of race and religion.

Olivier Roy comments on the dynamics of Islam and Black identity in Saint-Denis.

The victory is framed by Roy as reflecting demographic and social change, including the emergence of a Muslim middle class in professional roles.

LFI presents the win as proof of its ability to operate in working-class peripheries, a pattern seen in previous elections in the region.

Mélenchon’s leadership is tied to results in 2022 and the ongoing mobilization of militants to reach abstentionist voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mélenchon’s strategy shift began about ten years ago, focusing on immigrant-origin voters in working-class neighborhoods.

After the 2015 attacks, many scholars noted missing representation among youths from the banlieues, often Muslims.

El País

Mélenchon argued that left-wing voters had become the comfortable classes and needed to engage the popular in new ways.

He identified neighborhoods where many immigrants live as crucial to building a broader base for the left.

He emphasized issues like purchasing power and the criticism of Israel, alongside reframing laïcité to avoid alienating Muslim communities.

Frédéric Martel notes the focus on these communities, and Roy adds that LFI’s ground effort gives it an advantage in mobilizing local networks.

Roy also points out that while Muslim candidates have not always won, their leadership on lists is significant, with Muslims present on left and right lists.

Marseille demonstrates that locally effective mobilization requires active neighborhood engagement.

Mélenchon reportedly missed about 600,000 votes in the 2017 presidential election to reach the second round.

Locally, all parties have looked toward immigrant communities, including the right.

“Market day is in Saint-Denis”

El País

Nationally, there is discussion of Islamization of politics and accusations of links to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Observers describe ideological attacks aimed at discrediting a demographic movement.

The fruits of these dynamics are being harvested, but the left still lacks a sum without La France Insoumise.

There is doubt whether LFI will be replaced before the presidential elections, based on city-head lists across the country.

Overall, it does not appear that the replacement will happen soon.