**Macron Warns of Extremist Danger in France Ahead of Mayoral Elections** French President Emmanuel Macron has sounded a warning about the growing threat of extremism in the country's politics as voters prepare to cast their ballots in the final round of mayoral elections this Sunday. In a statement made on Wednesday, Macron cautioned that extremist ideologies pose a danger to France's democratic system. His comments come as candidates from the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, and the hard-left France Unbowed party, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, have made significant gains in the first round of voting. The outcome of the mayoral elections is being closely watched by many as a barometer of France's political mood and potential patterns of future alliances. The elections are seen as a test-run for the 2027 presidential contest, with Macron's eventual successor expected to take office. In recent weeks, the National Rally has made impressive gains, particularly in the city of Perpignan, where the party's incumbent mayor, Louis Aliot, was re-elected with a significant majority. The party also made a strong showing in the southern city of Toulon, where a far-right candidate is poised to take over as mayor. Meanwhile, an alliance between France Unbowed and the Communist Party has claimed victory in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, a significant working-class area. As the final round of voting approaches, Macron's warning about the dangers of extremism will likely resonate with many Nigerians, who are familiar with the challenges posed by extremist groups in West Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso. While Macron's comments are directed at the domestic threat of extremism in France, they also highlight the global nature of this challenge, which requires international cooperation and vigilance to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. In the lead-up to this Sunday's vote, Macron has urged centre-right politicians to form alliances with the National Rally in an effort to consolidate their power and prevent extremist candidates from emerging victorious.