The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, recently went to Tahiti as part of preparations for the Olympics to inspect the Surfing facilities. Problem: the councilor went to Tahiti but never went to visit the facilities in question…
This move therefore raises a number of criticisms within the French political landscape.
Described as semi-private, semi-public by Rachida Dati, a figure of the Parisian right, this trip has become a central point of the budgetary orientation debates at the Paris Council.
An expensive trip by Anne Hidalgo at the taxpayer’s expense
The cost of the trip, estimated at 60 000 euros, is strongly criticized, particularly in the context of Paris’ growing debt. As a reminder, the city of the capital is in debt to the tune of more than 7 billion euros, a debt which has continued to grow since Anne Hidalgo took office.
.@david_alphand????:”Here is an example of saving. A saving of €60,000. That of a trip to the other side of the world, #Tahiti!
Because, who can honestly consider that this was appropriate?
The @GpeChangerParis as an overwhelming majority of Parisians answer “no”! #ParisCouncil pic.twitter.com/X4bsuaivd7— Changer Paris (@GpeChangerParis) November 14, 2023
The opposition, led by Rachida Dati, accuses the municipal team of lacking transparency in its expense reports and calls for the matter to be brought to justice.
Anne Hidalgo, accused of having gone to Tahiti to visit her daughter rather than traveling as part of the Olympics, refutes these accusations and defends herself, explaining that she paid for the private parts of her trip with her personal funds. .
The defense of Anne Hidalgo
Faced with the avalanche of criticism, Anne Hidalgo defended herself by denying the use of a helicopter in Tahiti and refuting allegations that the trip was a pretext to visit her daughter.
The Mayor of Paris also highlighted the favorable opinion of the Ethics Commission on the financing of her trip.
However, these denials do not seem to be enough to appease the critics or clarify the situation, leaving a veil of doubt over the intentions and actions of the mayor of Paris.
A trip that is at best immoral and at worst illegal
This affair highlights the growing rivalry between Anne Hidalgo and Rachida Dati, particularly in the run-up to the 2026 municipal elections.
The opposition, led by Madame Dati, is intensifying its pressure and describing Madame Hidalgo’s actions as “illegal” demanding the opening of legal proceedings against the Mayor.
#AnneHidalgo refuses for the moment to be #transparent on his move to #Tahiti as well as on his previous trips. It is now up to justice to take charge! pic.twitter.com/lnWYDqTt9X
— Rachida Dati ن (@datirachida) November 14, 2023
Florence Berthout, mayor of the 5th arrondissement, also expressed discomfort with the trip, questioning the motivation behind visiting the surf site.
Consequences and prospects
This controversy goes beyond a simple trip. It raises fundamental questions about city management, the use of public funds, and the responsibility of elected officials.
While the right hopes to capitalize on this controversy for the upcoming elections, Hidalgo and his team must navigate carefully to restore trust and engagement with Parisian citizens.
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