Paris at a Crossroads: Anne Hidalgo’s Failure vs. the Renewal Brought by Rachida Dati

Paris, the City of Light, now seems overshadowed by a contested management. While outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo faces mounting criticism for her economic, social, and environmental record, Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture and an emerging figure in Parisian right-wing politics, represents an alternative, pragmatic vision focused on the future. A look at the reasons for disapproval and the promises of renewal.

The Clear Shortcomings of Hidalgo’s Term

1. A Catastrophic Financial Management The debt of the City of Paris now reaches “€9 billion,” a historic record that burdens future generations. This situation stems from questionable choices, such as financing “urban farms” that are unproductive, symbols of ideological ecology rather than concrete results. Worse still, the property tax jumped from “13.5% to 20.5% in 2022,” penalizing small property owners and the middle class, without solving the deficit.
2. Cleanliness and Quality of Life: A Systemic Failure According to opinion surveys, “84% of Parisians consider their city dirty” and 73% are dissatisfied with the maintenance of public spaces. A damning observation regularly pointed out by the opposition, notably Rachida Dati, who denounces the “chaotic management” of municipal services. Despite public consultations, such as the one on parking fees (94% abstention), Hidalgo persists in a technocratic approach, disconnected from local realities.
3. Judicial Scandals and Political Discredit Anne Hidalgo’s term has been tainted by investigations into illegal conflicts of interest and embezzlement, particularly regarding a trip to Tahiti in 2023. The raids at City Hall in March 2024 and the €30,000 in excessive phone expenses have reinforced the image of an opaque municipal team. Her crushing failure in the 2022 presidential election (1.75% of the vote), the worst score for the Socialist Party, reflects the national—and Parisian—rejection of her agenda.
4. A Climate of Sterile Confrontation Rather than defending her achievements, Hidalgo has resorted to personal attacks against Rachida Dati, even publicly accusing her of using civil servants for her legal activities—a claim that led to a “defamation lawsuit” in 2025. This strategy poorly masks the lack of strong arguments.

Rachida Dati: The Experience and Vision to Revive Paris

1. A Woman of Action with Proven Competence Former Minister of Justice and current Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati combines “experience in public policy” with a deep understanding of local issues. Her tenure as Minister of Culture is marked by concrete initiatives, such as her proposal to have the Eiffel Tower classified as a historical monument, aimed at strengthening its protection—although Hidalgo blocked this proposal due to clientelism.
2. A Vision for an Attractive and Supportive Capital In contrast to Hidalgo, Dati advocates for a “pragmatic and inclusive” vision:

Affordable Housing: Priority given to renovating social housing and combating slumlords.

Cleanliness and Safety: Reinforcement of cleaning teams and partnerships with districts for decentralized management.

Economic Attractiveness: Support for local businesses and simplification of procedures for companies.

3. Transparent and Collaborative Management During the Covid-19 crisis, Dati demonstrated her efficiency by organizing “drive-through testing and mask distribution” in her district, criticizing the inaction of the central city administration. Her approach contrasts with Hidalgo’s failures, who was accused of “neglecting the preparation for deconfinement.”
4. Culture and Heritage: Restoring Paris’ Luster In addition to supporting the Eiffel Tower, Dati promotes a “renovation plan for historic monuments” and supports popular cultural events. She aims to make Paris a “festive capital,” combining tradition and modernity, far from costly and ineffective experiments.

Turning the Page on Ideology, Writing the One of Pragmatism

Anne Hidalgo’s record is clear: historic debt, a dirty city, public distrust, and political clientelism. In contrast, Rachida Dati represents a “democratic renewal” based on expertise, transparency, and listening to Parisians. While the 2024 Olympic Games have showcased Paris’ potential under calm management, the time has come to hand over the keys to the capital to a leader who can balance ambition and realism. Paris deserves more than Hidalgo’s rear-guard battles: it deserves the fresh air brought by Rachida Dati.

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