<p>A victory for the opposition conservatives, a serious setback for the ruling socialists and a confirmation for the far-right National Front party. Last Sunday's elections were not merely a local ballot, it was a national litmus test for the major parties, with some lessons to be drawn for elections to come, first and foremost for the 2017 presidential race.</p><br /><br />Visit our website:<br />http://www.france24.com<br /><br />Like us on Facebook:<br />https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter:<br />https://twitter.com/France24_en
