The socialist Anne Hidalgo has put an end to twelve years at the head of the Paris City Council, a period started in 2014 after succeeding Bertrand Delanoë and revalidated in 2020 thanks to a left-wing coalition with environmentalists and communists.
Hidalgo, the first woman to hold the position, decided not to seek a third term, considering that two terms were sufficient to undertake the profound transformations she sought in the capital, and with the intention of continuing to influence politics from other spaces. Her successor, Emmanuel Grégoire, has achieved this Sunday in the municipal elections that socialism revalidate its dominance over the city.
Although there are signs of continuity, his/her departure marks the close of a political stage that leaves a deep and at the same time controversial mark in the city.
City of the 15 minutes
During her/his mandate, she/he promoted an ambitious sustainable mobility agenda, aimed at reducing the prominence of the car. In this regard, she/he promoted the pedestrianization of emblematic spaces such as the banks of the Seine, significantly expanded the network of bike lanes and progressively limited traffic in the center.
The fight against pollution was another central axis of his political action. His government implemented low-emission zones and restrictions on the most polluting vehicles, which contributed to a progressive reduction in pollution levels.
Another of the pillars of her administration was the development of the model of the “city of the 15 minutes”, an urban proposal aimed at guaranteeing that citizens can access essential services —such as schools, shops or health centers— a short distance from their homes.
Housing, key
In the social sphere, Hidalgo opted for strengthening housing policies, with the aim of curbing the rising cost of rents and the expulsion of residents from the urban center. During his mandate, the stock of protected housing was increased and regulatory measures were adopted to contain prices, in an attempt to maintain social diversity in the capital.
Her mandate was also defined by the management of major crises, which tested municipal leadership. From the 2015 attacks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hidalgo had to face situations of great social and political impact, reinforcing her institutional role in especially delicate moments for the city.
Paris 2024
One of the most emblematic projects of its stage was the organization of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The preparation and celebration of this event represented an important logistical challenge and an opportunity to project the city internationally, as well as to accelerate some urban transformations.