Carlos Moreno, a Paris-based urbanist who collaborated with Hidalgo, emphasized that the city’s transformation involves more than just eco-friendliness, focusing on proximity to enhance the economy and strengthen local social life.
The future
Hidalgo secured her 2020 reelection by promoting a greener Paris and adopting Moreno’s “15-minute city” idea, where daily amenities are within a short walk or bike ride.
As the campaign to succeed her intensifies, Hidalgo’s changes seem secure, with more Parisians embracing them despite national green backlash in Europe and Brussels. She celebrated with an exhibition at Paris City Hall on the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 Paris climate accord, showcasing changes from her tenure.
Politically, Hidalgo initiated legislation to limit her successor’s ability to reverse her policies and long-term goals, such as creating 55 acres of new green spaces by 2040 and ensuring at least 65 percent of land over 150 square meters remains unbuilt or unpaved.
Dissatisfied voters may rally around center-right candidates next spring, while progressives might choose left-leaning candidates addressing housing and cost-of-living issues that challenged Hidalgo, akin to Zohran Mamdani’s New York City mayoral primary win.
For Hidalgo’s Socialists, the mayoral race will be tough, with the party divided and a recent Elabe poll showing declining support.
Hidalgo’s lasting impact on Paris and her international reputation as a transformative leader are assured. However, locally, an era may be ending.
Leave a Reply