Bournazel Steps Aside, Unites with Dati for Paris Mayoral Run
Paris, France – March 16, 2026 – In a significant development for the Paris municipal elections, Pierre-Yves Bournazel, representing Horizons/Renaissance, announced on Monday that his electoral list would merge with that of the LR candidate, Rachida Dati. This strategic move, revealed on France 2, sees Bournazel stepping down from the mayoral race, effectively consolidating the right-wing vote ahead of the second round.
A Strategic Alliance for Change
Bournazel stated, “I am pleased to announce this evening that we have decided to merge our lists. Why? Because a majority of Parisians expect change and alternation.” He acknowledged his personal withdrawal, adding, “For me, the journey ends here… since Parisians did not wish for me to be the next Mayor of Paris.”
This decision comes after a first round where Rachida Dati secured 25.46% of the votes, while Pierre-Yves Bournazel garnered 11.34%. The merged list is designed to respect the balance of votes from the first round, aiming to maximize their chances against the incumbent left-wing administration.
End of a Personal Campaign, Beginning of a New Chapter
Reflecting on his 18 years as an elected official in Paris, Bournazel remarked, “I have fulfilled my duty, and in politics, you know, you have to turn a page at some point. Life is long, and another life will begin for me.” His entourage confirmed that he would not appear on any list for the second round. Rachida Dati had reportedly offered him the second position on her list for the second round, as she indicated in an interview with Le Figaro.
Overcoming Past Tensions
The alliance is particularly noteworthy given the previously strained relationship between Dati and Bournazel. Dati had famously described Bournazel as the “most foolish right-wing in the world,” accusing him of attempting to undermine her campaign. Bournazel, who once served as Dati’s communications advisor when she was Minister of Justice, had reciprocated in a book published in January, calling her his “best enemy” and describing her as “a person in a state of narcissistic drunkenness.”
Despite these past hostilities, a close collaborator of Bournazel praised his decision, calling it “a very dignified, very loyal decision towards those who supported him, parties and running mates… It’s a decision that few politicians would make in this era.”
Second Round: A New Election
Rachida Dati emphasized the importance of the upcoming round, stating, “The second round is a new election that requires absolute mobilization of all voters who wish for the left not to be re-elected for the next six years.” This merger is a clear attempt to present a united front to challenge the left’s dominance in the city.
The announcement underscores the high stakes of the Paris municipal elections, with both sides strategizing to secure victory. The combined strength of Dati and Bournazel’s supporters could significantly influence the outcome, making the second round a closely watched event in French politics.
