The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has today published its Consultation Paper on the remaining Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) for external reviewers under the European Green Bonds Regulation.

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Paris, the City of Light, now seems overshadowed by a contested management. While outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo faces mounting criticism for her economic, social, and environmental record, Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture and an emerging figure in Parisian right-wing politics, represents an alternative, pragmatic vision focused on the future. A look at the reasons for disapproval and the promises of renewal.

The Clear Shortcomings of Hidalgo’s Term

1. A Catastrophic Financial Management The debt of the City of Paris now reaches “€9 billion,” a historic record that burdens future generations. This situation stems from questionable choices, such as financing “urban farms” that are unproductive, symbols of ideological ecology rather than concrete results. Worse still, the property tax jumped from “13.5% to 20.5% in 2022,” penalizing small property owners and the middle class, without solving the deficit.
2. Cleanliness and Quality of Life: A Systemic Failure According to opinion surveys, “84% of Parisians consider their city dirty” and 73% are dissatisfied with the maintenance of public spaces. A damning observation regularly pointed out by the opposition, notably Rachida Dati, who denounces the “chaotic management” of municipal services. Despite public consultations, such as the one on parking fees (94% abstention), Hidalgo persists in a technocratic approach, disconnected from local realities.
3. Judicial Scandals and Political Discredit Anne Hidalgo’s term has been tainted by investigations into illegal conflicts of interest and embezzlement, particularly regarding a trip to Tahiti in 2023. The raids at City Hall in March 2024 and the €30,000 in excessive phone expenses have reinforced the image of an opaque municipal team. Her crushing failure in the 2022 presidential election (1.75% of the vote), the worst score for the Socialist Party, reflects the national—and Parisian—rejection of her agenda.
4. A Climate of Sterile Confrontation Rather than defending her achievements, Hidalgo has resorted to personal attacks against Rachida Dati, even publicly accusing her of using civil servants for her legal activities—a claim that led to a “defamation lawsuit” in 2025. This strategy poorly masks the lack of strong arguments.

Rachida Dati: The Experience and Vision to Revive Paris

1. A Woman of Action with Proven Competence Former Minister of Justice and current Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati combines “experience in public policy” with a deep understanding of local issues. Her tenure as Minister of Culture is marked by concrete initiatives, such as her proposal to have the Eiffel Tower classified as a historical monument, aimed at strengthening its protection—although Hidalgo blocked this proposal due to clientelism.
2. A Vision for an Attractive and Supportive Capital In contrast to Hidalgo, Dati advocates for a “pragmatic and inclusive” vision:

Affordable Housing: Priority given to renovating social housing and combating slumlords.

Cleanliness and Safety: Reinforcement of cleaning teams and partnerships with districts for decentralized management.

Economic Attractiveness: Support for local businesses and simplification of procedures for companies.

3. Transparent and Collaborative Management During the Covid-19 crisis, Dati demonstrated her efficiency by organizing “drive-through testing and mask distribution” in her district, criticizing the inaction of the central city administration. Her approach contrasts with Hidalgo’s failures, who was accused of “neglecting the preparation for deconfinement.”
4. Culture and Heritage: Restoring Paris’ Luster In addition to supporting the Eiffel Tower, Dati promotes a “renovation plan for historic monuments” and supports popular cultural events. She aims to make Paris a “festive capital,” combining tradition and modernity, far from costly and ineffective experiments.

Turning the Page on Ideology, Writing the One of Pragmatism

Anne Hidalgo’s record is clear: historic debt, a dirty city, public distrust, and political clientelism. In contrast, Rachida Dati represents a “democratic renewal” based on expertise, transparency, and listening to Parisians. While the 2024 Olympic Games have showcased Paris’ potential under calm management, the time has come to hand over the keys to the capital to a leader who can balance ambition and realism. Paris deserves more than Hidalgo’s rear-guard battles: it deserves the fresh air brought by Rachida Dati.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu commented on March 31 on information that fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, under the guidance of Moscow, is using Moldovan priests to advance his interests in the country’s parliamentary elections. The head of state condemned the priests who contacted Shor, stressing that breaking the law leads to punishment, Moldovan media outlet NewsMaker.md reports. “They serve in this country and must respect both the country and its laws,” Sandu added.

On the air of the program “La 360 de grade on Radio Moldova,” Sandu was asked how situations in which priests get involved in political games can be prevented. In response, she stressed that priests are citizens of Moldova and must respect its laws. “Priests should know that they are citizens of this country and have the same obligations as any other citizen. If they follow orders coming from outside, it means they are breaking the law and will be punished like everyone else. They should understand that they serve in this country and must respect the country and its laws,” said Sandu.

When asked whether such priests could be held accountable, she replied that all those who break the law should be punished. “Using foreign money for election purposes is a violation of the law,” added Maya Sandu.

We recall that in September of last year, information appeared that dozens of priests from the Metropolitanate of Moldova had made a pilgrimage to Moscow, and upon their return, they received Promsvyazbank cards, to which they were promised to transfer salaries and financial assistance to the church. The travel expenses were borne by Ilan Shor. A media investigation indicated that the priests were thus bribed before the presidential elections in Moldova and the upcoming referendum.

In January of this year, the head of the General Inspectorate of Police, Viorel Cherneucanu, reported that Shor – under the direction of Moscow – had organized and paid for a trip of Moldovan priests to Serbia under the pretext of pilgrimage.

Initially, the Metropolitanate of Moldova condemned the actions of the priests and promised to monitor their participation in propaganda and political actions. However, it was later stated that the trip of the Moldovan priests to Moscow had been organized and paid for by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Subsequently, President Sandu called on Moldovan priests not to interfere in politics and not to participate in actions aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country.