The Digester

Leftwing Emmanuel Grégoire won the Paris mayoralty, beating Rachida Dati and promising austerity in officials’ expenses, expanded cycling and a major overhaul of child protection after multiple abuse allegations in municipal schools.

Grégoire defeated rightwing Rachida Dati to secure a fifth consecutive Socialist term in Paris.
He pledged to continue building cycle lanes and limit cars to reduce pollution and heat risks.
He promised to cut officials' expense accounts and end chauffeur-driven cars for elected representatives.
Grégoire disclosed he was sexually abused as a child and pledged a full overhaul of recruitment and oversight for school monitors.
At least 30 school monitors were suspended in 2025 amid abuse allegations, and an independent children’s rights ombudsman has been appointed.
He pledged to convert 10 boulevards into public gardens and pedestrianize 1,000 streets.
He said he would tackle social housing shortages, clamp down on tourist rentals, and ensure no more children sleep rough.
The vote was read as a national test ahead of the 2027 presidential race as the far right made gains in other cities but failed to win Marseille.

Emmanuel Grégoire elected mayor of Paris, vows transparency and child protection reforms

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