Socialist Grégoire Elected Paris Mayor, Defeating Right-Wing Challenger Dati
PARIS (AP) – Emmanuel Grégoire of the Socialist Party has been elected mayor of Paris, securing a continuation of left-wing governance in the French capital. Grégoire defeated right-wing candidate Rachida Dati in Sunday’s runoff election, marking a significant win for the left amidst a broader political landscape seeing gains for right-wing parties elsewhere, as evidenced by recent regional election results in Germany.
Grégoire celebrated his victory with a bicycle ride through Paris, greeted by jubilant supporters who formed a growing procession as he approached City Hall. He described his win as a reaffirmation of Paris’s historical identity, promising a “vibrant, progressive, and inclusive” city for all.
“Paris has decided to remain faithful to its history,” Grégoire stated, adding, “Paris is not and will not be a city of the far right.” He emphasized his commitment to uniting Parisians following a divisive campaign.
The results show Grégoire securing over 50% of the vote, while Dati garnered between 36 and 38%. Dati conceded defeat, acknowledging she had failed to convince enough voters of the need for change. She lamented the “poison of division” that characterized the campaign and expressed hope that the outgoing administration would heed the calls for change voiced by hundreds of thousands of Parisians.
Outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo hailed the victory as a “great win” for the left, noting the widespread expectation that Dati would be difficult to defeat.
The election in Paris comes at a time of increasing political polarization in France and across Europe. Recent web searches indicate growing concern over the role of national leaders in local elections, with accusations leveled against President Emmanuel Macron of intervening to influence the outcome of the Paris mayoral race. [2] The French vote is being closely watched as a bellwether of the electorate’s mood, particularly as the right hopes to gain control of key cities. [3]
The election also follows a period of debate regarding tourism in Paris, with both Grégoire and Dati outlining their visions for the city’s tourism policy. [1] Details of their specific plans remain to be fully unveiled.
Source: ANSA
