The proposed reform of the PLM law, which pertains to the cities of Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, has experienced delays in its development. The law, which seeks to reform the election process in these three major cities, will not be presented to the National Assembly until the beginning of next year, according to David Amiel, a member of the Renaissance party in Paris and a key figure in the project.

While the specific details of the proposal are still being worked out, proponents assure that discussions are ongoing with local elected officials and parliamentarians of all political persuasions to guarantee successful passage in 2024. The next municipal elections in these cities will take place in 2026.

Unlike previous attempts at reforming the PLM law, the current goal is not to hastily present the proposal, but to engage in discussions with other political forces in advance, as explained by Mr. Amiel.

The main principles of the proposed reform are already established. The PLM law, adopted in 1982, provides a special status for the three main cities of the country and entails a complex voting system. The Renaissance party seeks to address concerns regarding the current system, which can lead to a candidate being elected despite being a minority in terms of votes. This issue has been observed in previous elections, notably in Marseille in 1983 and more recently in Paris, as detailed in a column in Le Monde by Paris councilor Pierre-Yves Bournazel.

According to members of the Renaissance party, the current system can lead to “opportunistic territorial strategies” and the proposed reform aims to ensure that every vote counts equally.