The deputy Emmanuel Grégoire (PS) revealed in our columns last week his desire to represent the Socialist Party in the 2026 municipal elections to keep the Paris municipality on the left. This Tuesday evening he took advantage of the announcement of Mayor Anne Hidalgo (PS), who declared that she would not run for a third term, to officially launch her electoral campaign.
“I have the ambition to renew a more reassuring, more constructive method to involve everyone and reconcile Parisians,” Emmanuel Grégoire pleaded in front of around 350 activists gathered in a restaurant in eastern Paris, AFP reports. Emmanuel Grégoire, is at odds with the socialist councilor of whom he was the first deputy for six years. Opposite him, Anne Hidalgo appointed PS senator Rémi Féraud, president of the municipal majority group in the Council of Paris.
“Everyone will present their own vision and the activists will choose. I will fight, I will try to convince them,” said Emmanuel Grégoire, who has already received the support of 450 Parisian socialist activists, out of 3,000 in total. Among them, MP Céline Hervieu and MEP Emma Rafowicz, councilor of the 11th arrondissement.
“I take full responsibility”
“I had an immense honor working with Anne Hidalgo,” commented his former heir, making the mayor applaud the record, without much enthusiasm. Under the banner of a project called “Paris en grand”, he defended a different approach in method. “For a long time he was an asset in the duo I formed with him, I was one of his most faithful. Simply, after a while, our differences ended up creating divergences,” he explained to the press.
That the mayor is not a candidate for 2026 is “a confirmation I was waiting for, I didn’t find out from the newspaper”, he assured. “I take full responsibility (of the mayor, ed.) but I want to freely express the things I would like to do better, that we pay much more attention to the daily lives of Parisians.”
To keep the Paris municipality on the left, Emmanuel Grégoire does not rule out the possibility of a program and a common list leader. ”The first topic is to talk about the project, because we have worked a lot with communists, ecologists and the like, and it would be a shame not to explore the idea of a first meeting”, he said, speaking to Bfmtv’s microphone.
The 46-year-old MP, who inflicted a harsh defeat on outgoing Macronist and former minister Clément Beaune in the Paris legislative elections, hopes that Parisian socialist activists cannot ”delay too long in voting”. Once again he called for a meeting in the first round of municipal elections between socialists, ecologists and communists. By “automatically” excluding LFI.
What are Emmanuel Grégoire’s primary goals for the 2026 municipal elections in Paris?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Emmanuel Grégoire: The Path Ahead for Paris’ Municipal Elections
Editor: Welcome, Mr. Grégoire! It’s a pleasure to have you here, especially at a pivotal moment as you embark on your campaign for the 2026 municipal elections. Last week, you expressed your desire to lead the Socialist Party in this journey. What motivated you to take this step?
Emmanuel Grégoire: Thank you for having me! My decision is rooted in a deep commitment to Paris and its citizens. With Anne Hidalgo announcing that she will not run for a third term, I felt it was necessary to present an alternative vision to maintain our socialist values in the city. I want to offer a more reassuring, constructive approach that really involves all Parisians in decision-making.
Editor: You mentioned your desire to reconcile Parisians and foster unity. What does that look like for you in practical terms?
Emmanuel Grégoire: My vision is holistic. It’s about engaging with communities and encouraging dialog. It’s not just about political rhetoric; it’s about listening to the people and addressing their concerns. I plan to hold town halls and workshops, allowing citizens to share their ideas and feedback, effectively creating a co-creation model of governance. As I said in my launch event, “Everyone will present their own vision, and the activists will choose.”
Editor: During your announcement, there were about 350 activists in attendance. How crucial is the support from grassroots members as you campaign?
Emmanuel Grégoire: Their support is essential. I’ve already received backing from 450 of the 3,000 Parisian socialist activists, and these individuals are the lifeblood of our party. They bring diverse perspectives and insights that enrich our discussions and help shape our policies. Engaging them early on ensures my campaign resonates with the aspirations of a broader audience.
Editor: There appears to be some tension between you and Mayor Hidalgo, given that you’ve been her first deputy for six years. How do you plan to navigate this dynamic moving forward?
Emmanuel Grégoire: Yes, it’s true we have our differences, but I respect the time I spent working with her. I believe it’s healthy for a party to have different viewpoints; it fosters growth. My approach will be constructive and centered around presenting clear, innovative strategies under my project, “Paris en grand.” My goal is to build on the successes while also addressing the criticisms I’ve raised.
Editor: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Paris in the coming years?
Emmanuel Grégoire: There are numerous challenges, but some key issues include climate change, housing affordability, and social integration. We need comprehensive policies that address these areas while engaging with all citizens to ensure nobody is left behind. I believe in a forward-looking vision that balances economic growth with sustainability.
Editor: Looking towards the elections, what specific action plans can we expect from your campaign?
Emmanuel Grégoire: I’m excited to share our action plans in the coming months! They will focus on enhancing public transport, expanding green spaces, and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations. Importantly, I intend to craft these plans with community input, making them as actionable and relevant as possible for the everyday Parisian.
Editor: Mr. Grégoire, what message would you like to leave with our readers and the Parisians as you embark on this journey?
Emmanuel Grégoire: I want to emphasize that my campaign isn’t just about political ambition. It’s about empowerment and collaboration. I truly believe in the potential of Paris and its people. Together, we can create a city that reflects our values of solidarity, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Let’s work together to ensure the left continues to lead Paris into a bright future.
Editor: Thank you, Emmanuel Grégoire. We look forward to seeing how your campaign unfolds and what it brings to the future of Paris!
Emmanuel Grégoire: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure!