Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo finds herself at the center of fierce criticism following revelations that she spent more than €12,000 on designer clothing while attempting to conceal the expenses. Her opponents accuse her of misusing public funds, as published data reveals that the 66-year-old politician, who has led the Paris City Hall since 2014, made luxury purchases including a Burberry coat worth €3,067.50 in November 2023 and clothing worth €2,300 from Dior in March 2024.
Read: France: Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo abandons X as it has “evolved into a gigantic global sewer”
The revelations came through French anti-corruption organization Mediapart, which published a report titled “Expense Reports: Anne Hidalgo Still Angry with Transparency,” noting that according to data gathered following a request from the Civic Transparency group, the mayor spent approximately €84,265 total on clothing and travel, subsequently requesting state reimbursement. She defended the purchases as legitimate, arguing that her role requires frequent official appearances and international travel that necessitate appropriate presentation and attire.
“This is no longer a Democracy, it’s a principality,” says the deputy leader of the center-right opposition council about Hidalgo
According to British media citing French Mediapart, this was the third time since 2014 that the mayor refused to disclose such expenses. Hidalgo participates in “numerous official events throughout the year,” her office stated amid reactions from opposition parties. “She receives heads of state and foreign delegations,” it noted.
The report sparked reactions from her political opponents. Notably, Paul Atté, deputy leader of the center-right opposition council, stated in a post on X: “No businessman has the right to declare their clothes as professional expenses. We have been paying for years for the luxury the mayor indulges in. This is no longer a Democracy. It’s a principality.”
This is not the first time the mayor, who was the Socialist Party candidate in the 2022 presidential elections, has faced criticism for using public resources for private expenses.
Additionally, in late 2023, Hidalgo was accused of spending nearly €60,000 to travel to Tahiti for a business trip, which she subsequently extended for two weeks of vacation.
