Paris, Mar 28: Anne Hidalgo has reflected on her 12-year tenure as mayor of Paris, describing the transformation of the French capital into a greener and more pedestrian-friendly city as a “challenging but necessary” journey.
Hidalgo, who is set to step down after over a decade in office, said major urban reforms—particularly reducing car usage—faced strong opposition initially but have since gained wider acceptance.
One of the most notable changes during her tenure was the pedestrianisation of the Voie Georges-Pompidou along the Seine riverbank, once a busy expressway handling thousands of vehicles per hour.
The move, which drew criticism from motorists and legal challenges at the time, has since transformed the area into a public space frequented by walkers, cyclists and families.
“It was a tough battle, but once people experienced the change, they did not want to go back,” Hidalgo said, noting that younger generations have grown up without seeing cars along the stretch.
During her time in office, Hidalgo implemented a range of measures aimed at tackling pollution and climate change. These included increasing parking costs, restricting car access in several parts of the city, especially near schools, and expanding a vast network of cycle lanes.
Officials said the measures contributed to a significant reduction in air pollution levels and a shift towards sustainable modes of transport, with cycling gaining popularity across the city.
Hidalgo’s tenure also saw Paris navigate major challenges, including floods, terror attacks and the broader impacts of climate change.
While her policies have been praised internationally, including recognition for climate leadership, they have also made her a polarising figure among residents.
Speaking on urban governance, Hidalgo said cities must adopt long-term visions to address environmental challenges. “Changing a city is complicated.
Even progressive people resist changing habits, but determination and clear strategy are essential,” she said.
She added that mayors must go beyond routine administration and address larger global issues such as the climate crisis, which she described as one of the biggest challenges facing cities worldwide.
