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

When you've lived in Paris as long as I have, you can practically feel that particular pre-election tension in the air. This time, though, it's on another level entirely. The 2026 Paris municipal election is entering its final 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 sends shockwaves through the Town Hall

Sure, Dati's a fighter, she's proven that often enough in recent years. But allying herself with centrist Bournazel of all people? That's a real coup. The two know each other from countless debates, they've clashed fiercely in the past – and now, the day before the big TV debate, they're merging their troops. It's all about one question: Who gets to run Paris for the next six years? The left, with the unwavering Sophia Chikirou, who's pressing on regardless, or the new centre-right alliance? I'm curious to see how it plays out on television tonight.

For us Parisians, this is, of course, the absolute talk of the town, the main topic on every café terrace. But let's be honest: As much as politics preoccupies us, life in this city isn't just about campaign speeches. Paris pulses constantly, no matter who's in charge at the Hôtel de Ville. And that's especially evident in the sports and the sheer joy of living we experience 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 has long been a global brand, but for us, it remains the heart of the city. Every home game is an event; the streets around the stadium fill with fans from all over the world. The atmosphere when Mbappé (or whoever's wearing the shirt by then) slams the ball into the net – it's simply priceless. And this year, PSG is chasing major glory not just domestically, but in Europe once 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 regularly reaches fever pitch when the team takes to the court in the French league or European competitions. Basketball in Paris has developed 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 world stars come through its doors, and for us tennis fanatics, it's a must-see. When Djokovic, Alcaraz or Zverev are battling for the last points to qualify for the ATP Finals – the tension crackles just as much as during an election campaign, just with less shouting and more style.

A fairytale for all ages: 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 it. When the little ones see 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 really should have grown out of it by now. The new attraction in the Walt Disney Studios Park is brilliant, and the parades through the park are pure goosebumps material. Especially now in spring, when the flowers are blooming, Disneyland is well worth a trip – whether you're coming from Berlin, Manchester, or straight from the 5th arrondissement.

So, while the politicians are getting 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 remains Paris. And that, surely, is the most important thing of all.

• Tonight: TV debate between Rachida Dati and Emmanuel Grégoire – will the alliance with Bournazel be a key topic?
• Sports Preview: PSG plays at home next weekend – tickets are in high demand.
• Disneyland Tip: Spring parades start next week – booking in advance is highly recommended!