MoDem Endorses Rachida Dati for Paris 2026 Mayoral Race as Key Alternative

Maud Gatel, leader of the MoDem party in Paris, has officially endorsed Rachida Dati, candidate from Les Républicains, for the upcoming 2026 municipal elections. Gatel highlighted Dati as “the only candidate who makes alternation possible,” citing critical urban challenges such as public space degradation, family exodus, and administrative failures as issues that require new leadership. The endorsement is rooted in shared priorities, including reducing the city’s debt to better adapt to climate change and restoring order in public spaces.

A recent Ipsos poll shows the leftist alliance led by Emmanuel Grégoire leading the first round with 32% support, while Dati’s list stands at 27%, reflecting a competitive race. Gatel dismissed any possibility of alliances with Pierre-Yves Bournazel of the Horizons party, emphasizing that Dati intends to keep her candidate list intact from the first to the second round. This move by MoDem aims to consolidate the center-right vote around Dati and presents her as a credible alternative to the current leftist leadership.

Gatel stressed the urgency to open a new chapter for Paris, renewing its political direction to address ongoing dysfunctions in child welfare and the broader administration. By backing Dati, MoDem seeks to bring stability and effective governance to the capital under a shared reform agenda focusing on sustainable urban management and fiscal responsibility.