For the first time, Paris will see a united front of Socialist, Ecologist, and Communist parties in the first round of the upcoming municipal elections. Emmanuel Grégoire (Parti Socialiste, PS), former first deputy to current Mayor Anne Hidalgo, hailed the agreement as a “historic moment” on Wednesday evening, December 17th. He will lead the unified list on March 15, 2026, alongside leaders from the Ecologist and Communist parties, David Belliard and Ian Brossat, respectively.
The agreement received approval from the Parisian Socialist federal council with 85% support, and over 70% of the capital’s Ecologist members also voted in favor, a decisive vote. Communist instances were also expected to approve the project by Thursday morning.
While Socialists and Ecologists have governed Paris together since 2001, this marks the first time they will campaign jointly from the outset. Grégoire, a deputy of Paris, stated that their support “honors and obliges” him for the upcoming battle.
Competing Against a “Trumpist Right”
David Belliard celebrated the vote on Instagram as “a vote of responsibility, to win ecological, social, and popular power” against what he described as a “Trumpist right, anti-poor, corrupt, and climate-skeptic,” embodied by Rachida Dati, the candidate from Les Républicains (LR).
According to the agreement reviewed by Agence France-Presse, the partners commit to “do everything possible to ensure there is only one left-wing list in the second round,” explicitly excluding any alliance with Pierre-Yves Bournazel, the Horizons candidate supported by Renaissance. However, the door remains open to La France Insoumise (LFI), who have nominated Sophia Chikirou, despite Emmanuel Grégoire’s repeated statements that he will not discuss alliances with “the insubordinates,” either in the first or second round.
This alliance, which also includes Place publique, the party of Raphaël Glucksmann, and L’Après (the party of former LFI members), was initially planned for October but materialized after more than three months of intense negotiations. The agreement comes at a cost for the PS, which has led the capital for twenty-five years, as several Socialist representatives will be removed from the list.
Discussions were particularly challenging regarding the placement of Ecologist candidates on the Paris Council, given a change in the voting system. The agreement stipulates that 36 Ecologists will be eligible, an increase from the current 28 elected officials.
David Belliard to Lead in the 11th Arrondissement
A source of significant tension among Socialist members, the Ecologists also secured David Belliard’s position as the lead candidate in the 11th arrondissement, where Léon Blum was elected and where current Mayor Anne Hidalgo currently holds office. This will add a third green-led municipality to the existing administrations in the 12th and 14th arrondissements.
The Ecologists, who champion the transformation of public spaces, the expansion of bike lanes, and “streets for schools,” made concessions central to their participation. Key shared objectives include enhancing after-school programs, establishing universal childcare, aiming for 40% public housing (with 30% social housing), and continuing the pedestrianization and greening of the city, as well as the free bus travel proposed by David Belliard. A point of contention remains the future of the Parc des Princes stadium, home to Paris Saint-Germain.
Most major cities governed by the left have taken the step of forming PS-Ecologist alliances in the first round, mirroring the move in Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of this alliance?
This is the first time Socialists, Ecologists, and Communists will campaign together in the first round of Paris municipal elections, representing a unified front against the right-wing opposition.
What are some of the key commitments made by the alliance?
The partners have committed to increasing the number of eligible Ecologist candidates, enhancing public services like after-school programs and childcare, and pursuing ambitious goals for public and social housing, as well as prioritizing pedestrianization and green spaces.
Is La France Insoumise (LFI) included in this alliance?
While the agreement does not explicitly exclude LFI, Emmanuel Grégoire has stated he will not engage in discussions with “the insubordinates” in either the first or second round.
Given these developments, it remains to be seen how the various left-wing factions will navigate potential disagreements and maintain a cohesive campaign strategy. Will the unified front be enough to overcome internal tensions and secure victory in the March 2026 elections?