Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its history, culture, and beauty. But who governs Paris? In this article, we’ll dive into the political structure of Paris and explore the various bodies responsible for governing this vibrant city.
Local Government
Paris is a commune and a department in France, which means it has its own local government. The City of Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements or neighborhoods, each with its own mayor and council. The mayors and councils are responsible for local issues such as parks, schools, and public transportation.
Mayor of Paris
The Mayor of Paris is the head of the city’s government and is elected by the City Council. The current mayor of Paris is Anne Hidalgo, who was re-elected for a second term in 2020. The Mayor’s responsibilities include managing the city’s budget, overseeing public services such as sanitation and public transportation, and promoting economic development.
City Council
The City Council is made up of members from each arrondissement who are elected by their constituents. They serve a six-year term and are responsible for making decisions about local issues such as zoning laws, building permits, and public works projects.
Regional Government
Paris is also part of the Île-de-France region or Greater Paris region which includes eight departments surrounding Paris. The regional government is responsible for issues that affect the entire region such as transportation infrastructure and economic development.
President of Île-de-France Region
The President of Île-de-France Region is Valérie Pécresse who was elected in 2015. She oversees regional policies related to transportation infrastructure including roads, railroads, airports, and public transportation.
Regional Council
The Regional Council is made up of members from each department who are elected by their constituents. They serve a six-year term and are responsible for making decisions about regional issues such as economic development, education, and culture.
National Government
As a part of France, Paris is subject to the national government in Paris. The President of France is the head of state and is responsible for making decisions about national security, foreign policy, and other issues that affect the entire country.
President of France
The current President of France is Emmanuel Macron who was elected in 2017. He oversees national policies related to defense, foreign relations, and the economy.
French Parliament
The French Parliament consists of two houses: the National Assembly and the Senate. The members are elected by citizens of France and are responsible for making decisions about national laws and policies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paris has a complex political structure that includes local government at the city level, regional government at the Île-de-France level, and national government at the French level. Each level has its own set of leaders who are responsible for making decisions about issues that affect their constituents. Understanding this political structure is crucial to understanding how Paris functions as a city and as a part of France.