France’s centre-right party, Les Républicains, has officially nominated Rachida Dati as its candidate for the upcoming 2026 Paris mayoral election. The announcement marks a major step for Dati, who has long been seen as one of the most ambitious and visible politicians within the French right. Her candidacy represents not only a new political challenge but also a direct effort to reclaim Paris after more than two decades of Socialist leadership.
Ending Socialist Domination of Paris City Hall
The Socialists have governed Paris since 2001, with Bertrand Delanoë and later Anne Hidalgo establishing strong control over the city’s institutions. Hidalgo’s leadership has focused heavily on climate-friendly policies, pedestrianisation, and stricter car use in the city. While some Parisians support these green measures, others believe they have gone too far and disrupted daily life.
Dati hopes to take advantage of this frustration. She has built her campaign on the idea of restoring efficiency, security, and livability in Paris. She argues that many Parisians feel ignored by City Hall and that change is necessary after two decades of one-party dominance. Her message aims to bring together not just traditional conservatives but also moderate voters who want fresh leadership.
Francis Szpiner Emerges as Rival Candidate on the Right
Rachida Dati’s candidacy has not gone unchallenged within her own camp. Francis Szpiner, a conservative Paris senator and former lawyer, has declared that he will also run for mayor. Szpiner accuses Dati of being too close to President Emmanuel Macron, describing her as a Macronist candidate rather than a truly independent figure of the right.
Szpiner is running on a platform centered on strengthening public safety, easing restrictions on cars in the city centre, and expanding the municipal police.
Dati’s Political Career and Rise Through French Politics
Rachida Dati’s story is one of remarkable political ascent. Born in a modest family of North African origin, she studied law and worked her way into politics. Her big break came when she became Justice Minister under President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007, making her the first woman of North African descent to hold such a high government office.
Over the years, Dati built her reputation as a tough, outspoken politician. She later became mayor of Paris’s wealthy 7th arrondissement and a Member of the European Parliament. While her career has seen successes and setbacks, her persistence has kept her in the spotlight. By accepting the role of Culture Minister in Macron’s government in 2024, she showed her willingness to work across party lines, though it also caused friction within Les Républicains.
Debate Over Electoral Reforms in Paris Mayor Race
Another factor shaping the 2026 election is the potential reform of how mayors are elected in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Currently, Parisians elect councilors, and then those councilors choose the mayor. President Macron has suggested changing the system so that mayors are directly elected by citizens.
Dati has strongly supported this reform, calling the existing system “anti-democratic.” She believes Parisians should have the power to directly choose their leader rather than leaving the decision to political negotiations inside the council.
France Starts Pilot Program to Teach Romanian Language 
Could France’s Economic Turmoil Spark a Eurozone Debt Crisis? 
France is preparing its hospitals for a great war 
India, France vow to boost strategic partnership 
France Becomes First G7 Nation to Recognize State of Palestine 
Morocco extradites suspects in Mohamed Amra prison to France