Sarah Knafo She finally revealed her intentions. A guest on TF1's 20 PM news, the MEP from the Reconquête party officially announced her candidacy for mayor of Paris in the 2026 municipal elections, confirming a decision she had been considering for several weeks. With a simple yet assertive message, she stated her desire to "restore Paris, the most beautiful city in the world," which she considers to be "deteriorated, indebted, and a source of concern for women." In just a few minutes, the candidate set the tone for a campaign resolutely focused on order, governance, and restoring Paris's prestige.
With her rising profile, Sarah Knafo is already emerging as a rising figure on the Parisian right. Long considered the éminence grise ofEric ZemmourShe now has her own political space: her opinion polls surpass those of the Reconquête president in several categories, particularly among LR and Renaissance voters. She embodies a younger, more modern right wing, capable of forging a path between the left and the traditional right. In a fragmented Parisian landscape, this uniqueness constitutes a significant strategic advantage.
A young, well-organized, and already experienced candidate
Elected to the European Parliament in 2024, the sole remaining Zemmour supporter amidst the successive departures of her running mates, Sarah Knafo has demonstrated rare political discipline and a strong commitment. Her entourage asserts that she is working on her platform "down to the smallest detail," with a highly technical approach to Parisian issues: security, cleanliness, housing, finance, and mobility. The candidate promises a firm method—even describing herself as "ruthless" in the face of the "chaos" she attributes to the Socialist record—but also an "imaginative and ambitious" one to revitalize the capital's international standing.
Sarah Knafo's electoral strategy relies heavily on the conservative stronghold of western Paris, but her team has broader ambitions. By focusing on a modern campaign centered on law and order and citizen participation through local referendums, she hopes to attract right-wing voters disillusioned by internal squabbles and a lack of renewal. Her youth (32 years old), her atypical background—from Seine-Saint-Denis, educated, determined—and her media savvy could allow her to break through beyond her traditional base.
Finally, the polls confirm that she is far from being a marginal outsider. With 7% of voting intentions according to Ipsos, she is tied with Thierry MarianiWith a 65% name recognition rate, Sarah Knafo immediately ranks among the top-ranked figures recognized by Parisians. While the traditional left and right currently dominate, her potential for growth is significant. In a volatile political landscape and a capital city seeking renewal, Sarah Knafo could well be the surprise of this municipal election.
