Anne Hidalgo’s Legacy: Transforming Paris into a More Sustainable City

Paris, March 29, 2026 – As Anne Hidalgo prepares to hand over the keys to City Hall to Emmanuel Grégoire, her twelve years as mayor are being assessed. Hidalgo, the first woman to hold the office, leaves behind a Paris dramatically reshaped by a commitment to sustainability, pedestrianization, and a significant shift away from car dependency. The transformation, while lauded by many, hasn’t been without its critics, sparking debate about the future of commerce and mobility in the French capital.

The most visible change under Hidalgo’s leadership is the proliferation of bicycles. At any Parisian intersection this morning, a surge of bikes awaits the signal change, often outnumbering cars. This isn’t accidental. Hidalgo made the fight against private vehicles and the promotion of sustainable transport a cornerstone of her administration, arguing that transforming the city to adapt to climate change was “imperative” from the outset of her tenure.

A City Reclaimed for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Paris now boasts nearly 500 kilometers of bike lanes, many added in the last decade. The impact is undeniable: bicycle usage has tripled during Hidalgo’s time in office. In 2024, cycling accounted for 11.2% of all trips in Paris, surpassing private vehicle use at 4.3%. This shift is a stark contrast to cities like Barcelona, where bicycle trips represent only 2.3% of total journeys, while private vehicles still account for nearly 20%.

Hidalgo’s policies included converting streets into pedestrian zones, expanding bicycle infrastructure, reducing parking spaces, increasing parking fees – which now reach as high as €18 per hour in the city center for the most polluting vehicles – and lowering speed limits. The Rue de Rivoli, a major commercial artery, saw significant changes under her direction, a move that sparked controversy regarding its impact on local businesses.

Controversies and Concerns: The Impact on Commerce

While Hidalgo championed these changes as vital for combating climate change, some decisions proved contentious. Rachida Dati, a candidate in recent mayoral elections, argued that the new traffic plans for the Rue de Rivoli had “killed” local commerce, specifically citing difficulties faced by the iconic department store BHV. The claim suggests a direct link between the reduced car access and a decline in business, though a comprehensive assessment of the situation requires further investigation.

The debate highlights a central tension in urban planning: balancing environmental goals with economic realities. While the long-term benefits of reduced pollution and increased pedestrianization are widely acknowledged, the immediate impact on businesses reliant on vehicular traffic remains a concern for some Parisians.

Beyond Mobility: Social Housing and Public Services

Hidalgo’s legacy extends beyond transportation. She also focused on social policies, including the creation of a municipal police force, opening the Seine River for swimming, and expanding access to affordable housing. Approximately 25% of housing in Paris is now social housing, a higher percentage than in many other European capitals. This commitment to social housing aimed to address the city’s affordability crisis, a challenge faced by many major European cities.

However, despite these efforts, the price of housing in Paris remains exceptionally high. The cost per square meter ranges from €30 to €40, and can reach €50 in some neighborhoods, pushing families and the middle class to the outskirts of the city. This underscores the complexity of addressing housing affordability in a desirable global capital.

A Growing Debt and a Divided City

Hidalgo’s tenure also saw a significant increase in the city’s debt, reaching a historic €9.7 billion – a 133% increase over twelve years ago. This financial burden adds another layer to the assessment of her legacy. According to an Ipsos survey, only 46% of Parisians view her management as solid or excellent, while 54% consider it mediocre or poor.

Public opinion is also divided on specific policies. Only 49% of Parisians support the reduction of speed limits to 50 km/h in surrounding areas, and 58% favor the 30 km/h limit within the city itself. These figures suggest a significant level of resistance to some of Hidalgo’s most ambitious initiatives.

A Style Perceived as Authoritarian

Despite projecting an image of approachability, Hidalgo faced criticism for being perceived as authoritarian and lacking dialogue. Rivals accused her of being unwilling to compromise, a claim she refuted, attributing the criticism to her identity as a left-wing, environmentalist, and immigrant woman. Even within her own party, tensions existed, notably with Emmanuel Grégoire, her former deputy, who publicly clashed with her before becoming the new mayor.

The transition of power was marked by a symbolic moment: Grégoire cycled to City Hall on Sunday night, where Hidalgo awaited him to hand over the keys. Their embrace signaled a closing of the chapter on their disagreements, demonstrating a willingness to move forward for the sake of the city.

Looking Ahead: Grégoire’s Challenge

Emmanuel Grégoire inherits a city transformed, but also facing significant challenges. He will need to navigate the ongoing debates surrounding mobility, commerce, and affordability, while also addressing the city’s financial situation. The success of his administration will depend on his ability to build consensus and address the concerns of all Parisians.

Anne Hidalgo’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. She leaves behind a Paris demonstrably greener, more pedestrian-friendly, and more committed to sustainable transportation. However, her policies also sparked controversy and left a divided city. Her impact will be felt for years to come, shaping the future of Paris as it continues to evolve as a global capital.

The next step for Paris is to see how Grégoire builds upon Hidalgo’s foundation, and whether he can address the concerns of those who felt left behind by her policies. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of the city.