Francis Szpiner Declares Bid for Paris Mayoral Race, Challenging Rachida Dati

The senator and former mayor of Paris’s 16th arrondissement seeks to unite the right amid internal divisions ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.

Francis Szpiner, a senator and former mayor of the 16th arrondissement, announced his candidacy for the 2026 Paris mayoral race, aiming to secure the Republican Party's nomination.
Szpiner's campaign highlights his opposition to Rachida Dati, whom he accuses of aligning too closely with President Macron's majority and failing to unify the right.
Rachida Dati, the current mayor of the 7th arrondissement and a prominent contender, has received calls for unity from some Republican leaders but faces resistance from other party figures.
The left is also fractured as the Socialist Party prepares for a primary between Rémi Féraud, backed by outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo, and Emmanuel Grégoire, her former deputy.
The Green Party will hold its own internal vote this month to select a candidate, with four contenders vying for leadership in the race to succeed Anne Hidalgo.