Anne Hidalgo's Legacy: Transforming Paris Over 12 Years

Anne Hidalgo's tenure as Mayor of Paris, spanning 12 years, has been marked by significant urban transformation and environmental initiatives. Under her leadership, the Voie Georges-Pompidou, once a bustling expressway, has been pedestrianized, allowing for a vibrant riverside atmosphere filled with joggers, cyclists, and families. This change, which faced considerable opposition initially, has resulted in a notable reduction in air pollution, halving the levels in the city. Hidalgo's administration has also seen the planting of 155,000 trees and the creation of nearly 63,000 hectares of new green spaces, contributing to a greener and more breathable Paris.

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Hidalgo's efforts in combating the climate crisis have garnered international recognition. In 2024, she was named one of the world's most influential figures by Time and Forbes magazines and received the Urban Land Institute award for enhancing the livability of Paris. Additionally, she was honored with the UN Global Climate Action award at Cop26. Despite these accolades, Hidalgo emphasizes that each city is unique, and while there are common challenges, mayors must possess a vision and the determination to implement significant changes.

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Hidalgo's administration has not been without its challenges. The aftermath of terror attacks that claimed 161 lives has deeply affected the city and its residents. Critics have accused her of fostering an increasingly dirty and debt-ridden Paris, with city debt projected to rise from €4.18 billion in 2014 to €9.7 billion by the end of 2026. Motorists, in particular, have expressed dissatisfaction with her policies, which prioritize public transport and cycling over car usage. Hidalgo's approach has polarized public opinion, with some praising her environmental initiatives while others label her as authoritarian.

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Throughout her career, Hidalgo has faced significant gender-based challenges, describing her experiences with "French misogyny and machismo." She has expressed frustration over the scrutiny of her spending, particularly regarding her choice of haute couture dresses for official events, questioning whether male predecessors would have faced similar criticism. Hidalgo remains committed to paving the way for future female leaders, asserting that her perseverance is crucial for inspiring young women in politics.

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Despite ongoing issues such as littering, graffiti, and homelessness, Hidalgo is confident in her legacy. She believes that the tangible improvements in the city, such as the ability to swim in the Seine, reflect her administration's success. As she prepares to leave office, Hidalgo asserts, “I feel I have done my job. People can see through the lies because they see, live and breathe it and they see things are better for them.” Her successor, Emmanuel Grégoire, will inherit a city that has undergone significant changes, setting the stage for future developments in Paris.

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• “It was a tough battle. Very tough. But I strongly believed the roads had to be pedestrianised so that people could enjoy the riverbanks, and that once they were pedestrianised and people had that experience, they wouldn’t want to go back. And that’s what has happened,” — Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris

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• “Changing a city is complicated, because even the most progressive people don’t want to alter their habits.” — Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris

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• “Beyond all the harshness of life in politics and the spotlight, the luck of a mayor is that what they do is seen and lived.” — Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris

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