Paris mayoral hopeful Dati takes campaign inspiration from New York’s Mamdani
France 24
by Romain BRUNETFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rachida Dati, a long-time French politician running for Paris mayor, has adopted an innovative campaign strategy centered around social media, particularly TikTok, to connect with everyday Parisians. By sharing videos of her interactions with city workers, homeless individuals, and others facing social challenges, Dati aims to highlight the shortcomings of current Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s policies. This approach mirrors New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s successful campaign, which focused on affordability and grassroots engagement. However, Dati’s conservative platform and high-profile background contrast with Mamdani’s outsider status.
Dati’s TikTok videos have gone viral, amassing millions of views and sparking conversations among Parisians who may not engage with traditional media. The clips aim to showcase her as a mayor attuned to the city’s struggles, promising to address issues like cleanliness, security, and housing. While her campaign has avoided mainstream media and debates, focusing instead on direct engagement with citizens, critics question whether this strategy can translate into electoral success.
Dati’s platform emphasizes right-leaning policies, such as privatizing waste collection and boosting police forces, while also proposing progressive initiatives like expanding social housing and renovating public spaces. Her plan balances addressing immediate concerns with long-term investments in infrastructure and social services. These proposals aim to appeal to a broad range of voters, including working-class Parisians struggling with rising living costs.
The success of Dati’s campaign hinges on her ability to authentically connect with citizens and convey a clear vision for the city’s future. While her social media strategy has garnered attention, her political style and messaging have drawn mixed reactions. Observers wonder if she can replicate Mamdani’s viral success while navigating her own reputation as a formidable figure in French politics.
This campaign reflects broader shifts in political communication, where digital platforms play a pivotal role in shaping public perception. Dati’s approach could set a precedent for other candidates aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and modern campaigning. Whether she can achieve the same level of impact as Mamdani remains to be seen, but her efforts already signal a significant shift in how Parisian politics is being contested.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/15/2026