How Is Paris Governed?

By Alice Nichols

Paris is the capital city of France and is home to over 2.1 million people. The city is divided into 20 administrative districts, known as arrondissements, each with its mayor and town hall. The government of Paris operates under a unique system that involves both national and local authorities.

The Mayor

The Mayor of Paris is the head of the municipal council and is responsible for managing the city’s budget, overseeing public services, and implementing policies. The current mayor of Paris is Anne Hidalgo, who has been in office since 2014. She was re-elected for a second term in 2020.

The Municipal Council

The Municipal Council is made up of 163 members who are elected by popular vote every six years. They are responsible for setting policies related to urban planning, housing, education, culture, and social services. The council meets regularly to debate issues affecting the city and to vote on proposals put forward by the mayor or individual members.

The Prefect

The Prefect of Paris represents the national government in the city. They are appointed by the President of France and are responsible for maintaining law and order within Paris’ borders. The Prefect works closely with the Mayor and Municipal Council to ensure that national policies are implemented at a local level.

Arrondissements

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its town hall and a local council made up of elected officials. Each arrondissement has its budget that it can spend on local projects such as parks, libraries, or community centers.

The Role of Arrondissements

The arrondissements play an essential role in governing Paris as they act as a link between citizens and their government. They provide citizens with access to local services such as schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities. Additionally, the arrondissements are responsible for maintaining local roads and public spaces, such as parks and gardens.

The Greater Paris Metropolitan Area

The Greater Paris Metropolitan Area includes Paris and the surrounding suburbs. This area is governed by a separate body known as the Metropole du Grand Paris. The Metropole du Grand Paris is responsible for coordinating policies related to transportation, urban planning, and economic development in the region.

The Role of the Metropole du Grand Paris

The Metropole du Grand Paris was created in 2016 to address issues facing the Greater Paris Metropolitan Area related to transportation, housing, and economic growth. The organization works closely with local authorities to promote sustainable development and improve public services across the region.

In Conclusion

Paris is governed through a complex system that involves both national and local authorities. The Mayor of Paris heads the Municipal Council, which is responsible for managing the city’s budget and implementing policies related to urban planning, housing, education, culture, and social services.

The arrondissements play an essential role in governing Paris by providing citizens with access to local services such as schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities. Additionally, the Metropole du Grand Paris coordinates policies related to transportation, urban planning, and economic development in the Greater Paris Metropolitan Area.