2026 Paris Municipal Elections: What Are the Candidates’ Plans for Cleanliness, and Who Says What?

Published by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on January 15, 2026 at 12:55 p.m.
One of the key issues fueling the debate ahead of the Paris mayoral race is the city's cleanliness. How do the various candidates vying for the 2026 municipal election plan to address hygiene and sanitation in the French capital? Here's a closer look at the proposals outlined in each campaign program.

As Paris prepares for the 2026 municipal elections, candidates are presenting their plans for urban cleanliness. From privatization and public management to infrastructure and pest control—here’s a comprehensive overview of the various proposals on the table.

The Paris municipal elections will be held in two rounds on March 15 and 22, 2026. For the first time, voters will need to cast two separate ballots: one to choose their arrondissement councilors and another to elect the members of the Paris City Council. This shift in voting procedure is taking place alongside a campaign where various local issues are being extensively discussed.

If cleanliness in Paris is a top concern for you, we've put together a summary of what the candidates are proposing on this issue. By the way, what exactly is the role of the city hall when it comes to the city's cleanliness and hygiene?

In Paris, maintaining cleanliness is a duty carried out by the city authorities. This includes:

  • collection of household waste,
  • cleaning of public spaces,
  • management of bulky items and illegal dumping sites,
  • pest control measures (rats, pigeons, bedbugs, etc.),
  • collaboration with local districts and community stakeholders.

These missions are managed by the Department of Cleanliness and Water, a municipal service equipped with dedicated teams, specialized equipment, and specific budgets. The Paris City Council and the mayor set the overarching priorities: service standards, investments in equipment (such as sweepers, trash bins, smart sensors…), team organization, and awareness campaigns.

Whether it’s about privatizing cleaning services, investing in new equipment and machinery, tackling pests and vandalism, or implementing efficiency strategies, we’re breaking down the proposed measures across various programs. Please note, this article is continuously updated as candidates for Paris’s mayor make new statements, announcements, and clarifications.

Paris Municipal Elections 2026: Candidates' Proposals on Cleanliness

Pierre-Yves Bournazel (Horizons - Endorsed by Renaissance)

  • Hand over cleaning responsibilities to private companies
  • Use of artificial intelligence to optimize waste collection and cleaning efforts
  • A €130 million budget for savings, reinvested in equipment (waste centers, rat-proof bins, floor scrubbers)
    (Source)

Sophia Chikirou (La France Insoumise / Nouveau Paris Populaire)

As of January 14, 2026, there are still no concrete proposals or measures explicitly focused on public health on the candidate’s official website.

Rachida Dati (The Republicans/Modem/UDI)

  • A strategic investment plan to upgrade equipment, incorporating Artificial Intelligence testing to pinpoint the most critical areas for cleaning.
  • Allocating a portion of the sanitation workforce to the district mayors to improve oversight and responsiveness.
  • Establishing a dedicated "Cleanliness Brigade" to handle emergency interventions based on reports from residents and district leaders.
  • Implementing a comprehensive rat control program, including the possible use of dry ice and deploying eco-friendly, connected traps.
  • Streamlining waste collection efforts to enhance efficiency
    (Source)

Emmanuel Grégoire (Center-left coalition: PS – Socialist Party, PCF, Green parties, Place Publique, L’Après)

As of January 14, 2026, the official campaign website does not feature any concrete proposals or measures specifically dedicated to public health.

Sarah Knafo (Reconquête)

  • Privatization of household waste collection
    (Source)

Thierry Mariani (National Rally - UDR)

  • Reorganization of municipal staff to improve cleanliness
  • Outsourcing of waste collection
    (Source)

To help you better understand the key issues surrounding the management of Paris, we've put together a comprehensive overview by topic. You can find all these themes listed below!

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