Paris adopts a revised 2026 budget amid tensions; the opposition criticizes extracurricular policies

The Paris City Council adopted the 2026 supplementary budget on Wednesday, the first amending budget of Emmanuel Grégoire's term. Prepared against a backdrop of economic slowdown and declining tax revenues, this supplementary budget adjusts the capital's finances while maintaining the main commitments of the municipal majority. The opposition, however, believes that the resources allocated to extracurricular activities and adapting schools to climate change remain insufficient.

The City of Paris is facing a decrease of nearly €131 million in its operating revenue compared to the initial budget adopted at the end of 2025. This decline is primarily due to the slowdown in the real estate market, which reduces revenue from transfer taxes, as well as the effects of the 2026 Finance Act. Despite this situation, the municipal government asserts that it has absorbed these losses without resorting to new borrowing and confirms its commitment not to raise property taxes. However, the capital's debt is expected to reach €9,7 billion by the end of the year.

After-school activities and schools at the heart of the criticism

The revised budget includes an additional allocation of €12,9 million, primarily intended to strengthen security in isolated areas of schools, such as restrooms, to prevent sexual violence during extracurricular activities. This measure is part of the action plan announced in the spring by Emmanuel Grégoire following the scandal that affected extracurricular activities in Paris.

However, these funds are considered insufficient by the opposition groups. Elected officials close to Rachida Dati and the MoDem party believe that the €20 million promised for the reform of after-school programs is not included in this budget, denouncing a "lack of ambition" and a discrepancy between the mayor's announcements and their financial implementation. The majority responds that the main measures, particularly those concerning the improvement of working conditions for activity leaders, will be included in the 2027 budget.

The budget also includes €12 million to adapt schools to periods of extreme heat, with the installation of air circulators, shade structures, and sun protection. Here again, several elected officials consider these investments insufficient given the climate challenges. The Green Party and La France Insoumise are demanding a detailed plan for the energy-efficient renovation of Paris's 620 public schools and are threatening to take legal action if the City does not present a costed schedule within the next two months.