In December 2023, during a meeting of the Paris City Council, the Republicans (LR) party celebrated a renewed sense of cohesion among its Parisian leaders, despite previous political tensions following the surprise appointment of Rachida Dati to the government. The party expressed a strong commitment to regaining power in Paris and challenging the current socialist mayor Anne Hidalgo in the 2026 municipal elections. However, just three days later, in an interview with Le Figaro, Senator Francis Szpiner announced his departure from the “Change Paris” group, which was the main opposition to the current municipal majority. Szpiner revealed his intention to create a new group called “Republicans and Centrists – Tomorrow Paris!” with a dozen members from various districts in Paris.
Francis Szpiner’s decision to leave the LR group came as a surprise to his colleagues, as he had not mentioned his intentions during the previous meeting where the party’s unity was praised. Szpiner justified his decision by citing the need for consistency and clarity with voters, criticizing Rachida Dati for leaving LR and causing division within the party. Despite Dati’s decision to run for mayor in 2026, Szpiner believed that she no longer represented the ideals of unity that the party needed. He also stated that he had warned Dati about crossing a “red line” and had made it clear that he would leave the party if she did so.
While Szpiner claims that his primary goal is to see Paris flourish once again, he has not confirmed whether he will run for mayor himself. His departure from LR, a party that initially dismissed the possibility of a split, has caused ripples within the political landscape of Paris. Some party members questioned Szpiner’s motives and whether his actions were fueled by personal ambition or a genuine desire for change. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future political plans, Szpiner stated that he had the full support of LR President Eric Ciotti and Centrist Party President Hervé Morin, indicating a potential shift in alliances within the political arena.
The departure of Francis Szpiner from the LR group represents a significant shift in the dynamics of Parisian politics, as it highlights the internal divisions within the party and the challenges of maintaining unity in the face of individual ambitions. The decision to create a new political group reflects a growing trend of fragmentation within established political parties, as politicians seek to align themselves with movements that align more closely with their personal beliefs and priorities. As the countdown to the 2026 municipal elections begins, the repercussions of Szpiner’s departure and the formation of a new group may have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Paris and the future direction of the city’s governance.
