Grégoire’s Green Ride
Emmanuel Grégoire, the new Socialist mayor of Paris, celebrated his victory by cycling to City Hall, a nod to his greener city promise. He beat conservative Rachida Dati in the runoff, taking over from Anne Hidalgo. Grégoire’s win in the municipal elections marks a shift back to traditional politics, with significant wins for both the left and right.
Despite being a low-profile figure, Grégoire’s political career is anything but. He started at 24, climbed the ranks to become Hidalgo’s right-hand man, and now, the mayor. His aim? To make Paris greener and more livable, starting with more bike lanes and a cleaner Seine.
The Airbnb Battle
Grégoire sees Airbnb as a nemesis, claiming it turns Paris neighborhoods into tourist traps. His solution? Build 60,000 affordable housing units. He argues that unchecked tourist rentals drive residents out, a familiar tale in global cities like New York and San Francisco.
In addition to housing, Grégoire wants to tackle overcrowding at tourist hotspots like the Louvre. His plan includes promoting lesser-known sites to spread the tourist load. It’s a balancing act between welcoming tourists and maintaining a livable city for Parisians.
A Personal Battle
Grégoire recently opened up about being a victim of childhood sexual abuse, a topic that resurfaced during the campaign amid reports of abuse in Paris schools. Critics accused him of inaction, but he defends his record, noting he wasn’t in charge at City Hall since 2024.
Despite past tensions with Hidalgo, who initially didn’t support him, Grégoire insists he’s not her heir. He emphasizes a moderate approach, rejecting alliances with the hard-left France Unbowed, which he sees as too radical. His focus remains on practical solutions for Paris.
Quick Facts
- •💡 Emmanuel Grégoire elected Paris mayor in 2026.
- •💡 Grégoire plans 60,000 new affordable housing units.
- •💡 Grégoire opposes Airbnb’s impact on Paris neighborhoods.
- •💡 Childhood abuse revelations emerged during his campaign.
- •💡 Grégoire aims for a greener, more livable Paris.