Paris Municipal Election 2026: Dati and Bournazel Forge Alliance – But What About PSG, Basketball, and Disneyland?

When you've lived in Paris as long as I have, you can practically feel that special tension in the air before every election. This time, though, it's on another level entirely. The 2026 Paris municipal election is entering the home stretch – and yesterday's news surprised even me, and I thought I'd seen it all: Rachida Dati and Pierre-Yves Bournazel are joining forces. That's a first.

A pact that shakes the foundations of the town hall

Sure, Dati's a fighter, she's proven that often enough over the years. But the fact that she's teaming up with the centrist Bournazel of all people is a real masterstroke. They know each other from countless debates, they've clashed fiercely in the past – and now, the day before the big TV debate, they're uniting their troops. It all comes down to this one question: Who gets to run Paris for the next six years? The left, with the steadfast Sophia Chikirou, who's pushing on regardless, or this new centre-right alliance? I'm really keen to see how it plays out on TV tonight.

For us Parisians, it's obviously the hot topic at every bistro table. But let's be honest: as much as politics gets us fired up, life in this city isn't just about campaign speeches. Paris is always buzzing, no matter who's in the town hall. And that's especially clear in the sports and the pure joie de vivre we have all year round.

When the ball starts rolling: PSG, Basketball and the Masters

Take Paris Saint-Germain, for instance. The club from the Parc des Princes is a global brand now, but for us, they're still the heart and soul of the city. Every home game is a massive event, the streets around the stadium fill up with fans from all over the world. The atmosphere when Mbappé (or whoever's wearing the shirt then) slams the ball into the net – it's just priceless. And this year, PSG is chasing glory not just in the domestic league, but in Europe again. Those Champions League nights in the bars of Saint-Germain-des-Prés are legendary.

Paris Basketball is also shaking things up in the capital. The arena at Halle Carpentier is regularly packed to the rafters when the team plays in the French league or European competitions. Basketball in Paris has taken on its own unique, young, urban vibe – you have to experience it. And then there's the Paris Masters. Every autumn, the Accor Arena transforms into a temple of tennis. The absolute biggest stars in the world are queuing up to play, and for us tennis nuts, it's a must-see. When Djokovic, Alcaraz or Zverev are battling it out for the last points to qualify for the ATP Finals – the tension crackles just as much as it does during an election campaign, just with less shouting and more style.

A fairytale for kids and kids at heart: Disneyland Paris

And then there's the place that truly completes Paris for millions of families: Disneyland Paris. Sure, it's a bit outside the city, but it's part and parcel of the Paris experience. Seeing the little ones lay eyes on Sleeping Beauty's castle for the first time, or shake hands with Mickey Mouse – those are the moments you never forget. I still love going there myself, even though I'm supposed to be a grown-up. The new attraction in the Walt Disney Studios Park is absolutely brilliant, and the parades through the park are pure goosebumps material. Especially now in spring, with the flowers in bloom, Disneyland is well worth a trip – whether you're coming from Berlin, Munich, or just around the corner from the 5th arrondissement.

So, while the politicians are getting all hot under the collar on TV tonight, I'm looking forward to the coming weeks in this one-of-a-kind city. Whether Dati or Bournazel comes out on top in the end – Paris is still Paris. And that's the main thing, isn't it?

• Tonight: TV debate between Rachida Dati and Emmanuel Grégoire – will the alliance with Bournazel be a hot topic?
• Sports preview: PSG plays at home next weekend – tickets are in hot demand.
• Disneyland tip: Spring parades kick off from next week – it's worth booking early!