Iran has permitted the departure of French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris after three and a half years of detention. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed their release while emphasising no agreement for a prisoner swap was reached, amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Incumbent Toulouse mayor Jean-Luc Moudenc of the conservative Republicans party secured 53.17% of the vote in recent municipal elections. His left-wing rival, François Piquemal, has indicated plans for legal action following alleged foreign interference and disinformation targeting his campaign, which included unfounded claims.

French citizens are removing the EU flag from town halls and schools, spurred by a viral post from Carcassonne’s far-right mayor, Christophe Barthès. This act reflects growing Euroscepticism but is not indicative of a widespread movement across France, as legal requirements for flag display remain unclear.

Archaeologists have uncovered 13 seated skeletons in Dijon, France, dating from the Second Iron Age (400BC to 100BC). Each skeleton, likely males aged 40 to 60, reveals signs of violence. Further analysis will explore the lives and deaths of these ancient individuals.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

Municipal elections in France delivered mixed results this morning. The Left retained Paris, while the far-right secured a significant win in Nice, indicating regional dynamics ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

Polling stations have opened this morning across France for local elections, with 48.7 million eligible voters. Voter turnout will be scrutinised as results are expected later today after polls close at 8:00 pm local time.