Five months before Paris's municipal elections on March 15 and 22, 2026, the right is dividing following Renaissance's support for Pierre-Yves Bournazel over Rachida Dati. On the left, negotiations between socialists and ecologists for a single list are stalled over La France insoumise's involvement. After nearly 25 years of socialist governance, an alternation appears likely.
Parisian political forces are positioning themselves for the race to City Hall, with major stakes five months before the vote. All parties agree on the likelihood of an alternation after nearly 25 years of governance by the Socialist Party (PS) under Anne Hidalgo.
On the right, Renaissance's decision to back Pierre-Yves Bournazel instead of Rachida Dati heightens divisions, making a rightward shift conceivable. This contributes to a scattered start among candidates.
On the left, the quest for a first-round union remains uncertain. Anne Hidalgo announced nearly a year ago that she would not run again, but her succession is still unresolved within the municipal majority. Socialists, ecologists, and communists aim for a single list, but negotiations are progressing slowly, particularly between the PS and Les Écologistes, who are disputing leadership. Communists and the Place publique party are relegated to the role of impatient observers, not yet daring to take sides. The major unknown lies in the presence of La France insoumise (LFI), which complicates talks between socialists and ecologists.
This situation highlights the obstacles to overcome in conquering the Hôtel de Ville, where all candidates' eyes are fixed.