Emmanuel Gregoire of the Socialist Party secured victory in Paris’s mayoral election, extending the left’s 23-year hold on the city.
Paris Elects Socialist Mayor for 25th Consecutive Year
Following local elections in France, polls indicate that Emmanuel Gregoire, the left-wing candidate, will become the next mayor of Paris, defeating right-wing candidate Rachida Dati.
This outcome ensures the Socialist Party will maintain its governance of Paris, a position it has held since 2001.
Poll Results Indicate Decisive Victory
An Ipsos BVA study reveals Gregoire’s list, representing Socialists, Ecologists, and the Communist Party, received 53.1% of the vote. Dati’s list garnered approximately 38% according to the same data.
Close Race Preceded Election Day
Pre-election polls before Sunday’s second round suggested a near-equal level of support for both Gregoire and Dati. Despite this, Gregoire chose not to form an alliance with the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI).
Gregoire Continues Hidalgo’s Legacy
Gregoire served as deputy to Anne Hidalgo, who held the mayoral office for two terms and was the first woman to hold the position. His election signifies the continuation of the Socialist Party’s rule in Paris since 2001.
He is expected to continue Hidalgo’s policies, including greening the city, creating bike lanes, and reducing car traffic.
Gregoire Vows to Uphold Paris’s Values
“Paris has decided to remain true to its history,” Gregoire stated after the election. He assured that the French capital “is not and will never be a city of the far right.”
Dati’s Political Career and Campaign Focus
Dati, a member of the right-wing Republicans (LR) party, has also served as mayor of Paris’s 7th arrondissement for many years. She is a well-known figure in French politics.
She served as Minister of Justice under President Nicolas Sarkozy, the first woman of North African origin in a French government ministerial position, and also served in the European Parliament. She was Minister of Culture from 2024, resigning in connection with the mayoral election. Despite her strong campaign focused on security, she also faces significant negative sentiment.
