Paris Residents Approve Plan to Convert 500 Streets into Green Pedestrian Zones

Despite low voter turnout, 66% supported the initiative, which aims to remove 10,000 parking spaces and faces potential political challenges in 2026.

The referendum saw 66% of voters back the plan, but only 4% of eligible residents participated in the vote.
The project will transform 500 streets across all 20 arrondissements, removing 10,000 parking spaces and adding green spaces.
The implementation is expected to take three to four years, with 25 streets per arrondissement being converted.
The initiative aligns with Paris's broader climate strategy under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who has already made 220 streets car-free since 2014.
The project faces criticism over its €250 million cost and potential disruptions, with its future uncertain due to the 2026 municipal elections.