Paris-based urbanist Carlos Moreno, who worked with Hidalgo, underlined that the city’s transformation meant more than just making it eco-friendly, and that increasing proximity meant “developing the economy and reinforcing local social life.”
The future
Hidalgo won her 2020 reelection campaign by doubling down on a green Paris and embracing Moreno’s concept of the “15-minute city,” where all daily amenities are accessible via a short walk or bike ride.
As the campaign to succeed her heats up, Hidalgo’s changes to Paris appear safe, with more Parisians growing attached to them despite the green backlash making waves in national politics across Europe and in Brussels. She even took something of a victory lap via an exhibition at Paris City Hall marking the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 Paris climate accord, which effectively showed off the changes made during her tenure.
On the political side, Hidalgo also spearheaded legislation that constrains her eventual successor from reversing her policies and long-term goals, such as the creation of 55 acres of new green areas by 2040, and requiring at least 65 percent on any piece of land bigger than 150 square meters remains soil or plants, with no building or paving allowed.
Voters unhappy with the city’s changes are likely to coalesce around the center-right options that will be on the ballot next spring. On the other hand, progressive voters could opt for candidates further to the left, who embrace campaigning on the housing and cost-of-living concerns that dogged Hidalgo’s time in office — much like Zohran Mamdani did to win the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.
For Hidalgo’s Socialists, meanwhile, the mayoral race will prove challenging. The party is deeply divided and prone to infighting, and a recent survey by pollster Elabe showed support for the Socialists has dipped.
Hidalgo’s imprint on Paris is sure to last, as is her international reputation as a transformative politician. But when it comes to local politics, an era may be coming to an end.