Anne Hidalgo and Rachida Dati Clash Over Corruption Allegations at Paris Council Meeting

During a heated Paris Council meeting, Mayor Anne Hidalgo and opposition figure Rachida Dati exchanged sharp accusations regarding the financial conduct of Parisian officials. Rachida Dati accused a Socialist Party council member, Eric Lejoindre, of excessive expenses amounting to nearly
10,000 in personal services paid by taxpayers, highlighting concerns about the misuse of public funds. In response, Anne Hidalgo dismissed Dati's criticisms by questioning Dati's ability to live on her
4,900 net monthly mayoral salary, citing Dati's declared income. Hidalgo also reminded the council of Dati's ongoing legal troubles, specifically her upcoming corruption trial scheduled for September 2026. The mayor emphasized that the current systems are designed to prevent elected officials from succumbing to temptations involving private interests for personal gain. This confrontation underscores the heightened political tension within Parisian governance, as the question of ethical conduct remains a contentious issue among local leaders.