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Dati Challenges Left's Reign, Faces Corruption Trial Ahead of Paris Mayoral Race

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rachida Dati, former French culture minister, seeks to become mayor of Paris, challenging the left’s 25-year hold.
Running for Les Républicains, she pledges tougher policing, social housing reforms, and privatizing waste collection.
Critics call her a dangerous right winger and fear a shift toward a "Trumpist laboratory."
Dati faces a corruption trial set for September; her main opponent is Emmanuel Grégoire of the Socialist party.

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Story summary

Rachida Dati, former French culture minister, seeks to become mayor of Paris, challenging the left’s 25-year hold.
Running for Les Républicains, she pledges tougher policing, social housing reforms, and privatizing waste collection.
Critics call her a dangerous right winger and fear a shift toward a "Trumpist laboratory."
Dati faces a corruption trial set for September; her main opponent is Emmanuel Grégoire of the Socialist party.