Paris 2026 Municipal Elections: Ecologists Join Chikirou's Campaign, Knafo Seeks Broader Appeal

As the municipal elections in Paris approach in March 2026, political dynamics are intensifying with new alignments and strategic moves shaping the race for the mayoralty. Notably, two ecologist Paris city councillors, Jérôme Gleizes and Emile Meunier, have broken ranks with their party's alliance with the Socialists to join La France Insoumise (LFI) candidate Sophia Chikirou. This move reflects disagreements over social-democratic urban policies, particularly concerning issues like urban planning and commercialization of public spaces.

Chikirou’s campaign pledges significant inclusion of ecologists by reserving 20% of the eligible positions on the LFI electoral list for the "Verts populaires" group. Her platform emphasizes transforming the Paris ring road into an urban boulevard and curbing urban sprawl, blending social justice with environmental protection. Around 400 signatories, including Gleizes and Meunier, publicly criticized the Ecologist party's national alliance strategy, arguing it undermines their objectives. Chikirou also sharply criticized Socialist deputy Emmanuel Grégoire for his parliamentary voting record tied to austerity affecting essential services.

Meanwhile, euro-deputy Sarah Knafo of the far-right Reconquête party is seeking to soften her party’s radical image as she positions herself for the Paris mayoralty and the upcoming presidential elections. She aims to broaden electoral appeal by toning down the far-right's extreme reputation.

Municipal elections are scheduled for March 15 and 22, 2026, marking a critical moment as candidates gear up to engage diverse constituencies including abstainers, youth, and residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods. Chikirou highlights her goal to mobilize the approximately 30% of voters who supported Jean-Luc Mélenchon in 2022, aiming for a "Nouveau Paris populaire."

These developments underscore a politicized and evolving landscape in Paris, with ecological and leftist factions realigning, and far-right candidates recalibrating messaging ahead of a pivotal electoral contest.