French municipal elections show gains for far-right and far-left parties

The first round of municipal elections in France saw the far-right and far-left make gains, while mainstream parties faced challenges. The results are seen as a gauge of political strength ahead of future national elections.

President Emmanuel Macron warned against political deals with extremist parties, calling them dangerous. The elections also highlighted struggles for mainstream parties to hold key areas, including a battle for socialists to maintain control of Paris.