French Socialists were on course to take control of Paris for the first time in over a century after exit polls gave a clear lead to their candidate, Mr Bertrand Delanoe, in the first round of voting yesterday.
According to the Sofres polling institute, Mr Delanoe won 34 per cent of the vote, well ahead of the main right-wing contender, Mr Philippe Seguin, representing the Gaullist party (RPR) of President Jacques Chirac. He had 25 per cent.
The poll confirmed widespread predictions that Paris will shift to the left after next Sunday's second round of voting, delivering a blow to Mr Chirac, a year ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections.
The Green party won 12 per cent, giving it the chance to proceed to the second round of voting in a number of districts.
A rival right-wing list led by the incumbent mayor, Mr Jean Tiberi, was also accorded 12 per cent of the vote.