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

When you've lived in Paris as long as I have, you can practically feel that special 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, even though I thought I'd seen it all: Rachida Dati and Pierre-Yves Bournazel are joining their lists together. That's a first.

A pact that shakes the very foundations of the Hôtel de Ville

Sure, Dati's a fighter, she's proven that often enough over the years. But the fact that she's chosen to ally herself with the centrist Bournazel? That's a real masterstroke. The two of them 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 fundamental question: Who gets to run Paris for the next six years? The left, with the unwavering Sophia Chikirou pushing on regardless, or this new centre-right alliance? I'm dying to see how it all plays out on television tonight.

For us Parisians, of course, it's the absolute talk of the town, the topic on every bistro table. But let's be honest: As much as politics might preoccupy us, life in this city isn't all campaign speeches. Paris always pulses with energy, no matter who's in charge at City Hall. And that's especially evident in the sports and the sheer joy of living that we experience all year round.

When the ball is 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 is wearing the shirt then) slams the ball into the net – it's simply priceless. And this year, PSG is chasing major glory again, not just in the league but also in Europe. 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 boiling point when the team takes to the court in the French league or European competitions. Basketball in Paris has developed its own unique, youthful, urban vibe – you have to experience it to believe it. And then there are the Paris Masters. Every autumn, the Accor Arena transforms into a temple of tennis. The absolute global stars come through its doors in droves, and for us tennis nuts, it's a mandatory date in the calendar. Watching Djokovic, Alcaraz, or Zverev battle it out for the final 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.

Magic 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 centre, but it's just part of the package. Seeing little ones catch their first glimpse of Sleeping Beauty's castle or shake hands with Mickey Mouse – these are the moments you never forget. I still love going there myself, even though I'm supposed to be a grown-up by now. 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, when the flowers are blooming, Disneyland is well worth a trip – whether you're coming from Dublin, Cork, or just from the 5th arrondissement.

So, while the politicians are talking themselves hoarse 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, after all, is the main thing.

• Tonight: TV debate between Rachida Dati and Emmanuel Grégoire – will the alliance with Bournazel be a key topic?
• Sports Preview: Next weekend, PSG plays at home – tickets are in hot demand.
• Disneyland Tip: Spring parades kick off next week – booking early is well worth it!