Paris municipal election campaign heats up with controversies and policy debates

The campaign for the 2026 Paris mayoral election is underway, with several candidates making headlines. Rachida Dati, a prominent candidate, is facing a defamation lawsuit from rival Emmanuel Grégoire and has denied accusations of making homophobic remarks. She has also presented a ten-point plan for the city and promised to keep the PSG soccer team at the Parc des Princes.

Other candidates are also in the news. Sarah Knafo, a far-right candidate, made a mistake by stating the annual Navigo public transport pass cost 52 euros, when it is significantly more. She has also claimed she is the only candidate who can unite the right to defeat the left. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Grégoire, the left's candidate, is positioning himself as offering a break from the methods of the current mayor, Anne Hidalgo. The campaign has been marked by these personal and political disputes.