Rachida Dati Challenges Michel Barnier in Paris By-Election Fight

In a significant political development, Rachida Dati, France’s culture minister, has announced her candidacy for a parliamentary by-election in a portion of Paris’ Left Bank, directly challenging Michel Barnier, the former prime minister. Dati’s move comes just as the nominating committee of their shared center-right party, Les Républicains, has endorsed Barnier as its candidate for the position. This unexpected announcement positions Dati as a potential breakaway candidate, indicating a fierce competition ahead.

Background of the Contest

Dati revealed her intentions on social media, stating she aims to represent “the region I have served for 15 years.” As the locally elected mayor of the Paris 7th arrondissement, which includes the iconic Eiffel Tower, she has a strong foothold in the area. Her decision to enter the race is viewed as a direct response to Barnier’s decision to pursue the parliamentary seat, which has reportedly infuriated her.

In a recent television interview, Dati asserted, “I’ve never been a bit player or a pushover. I don’t give up and I’m not afraid.” Her candidacy could be interpreted as a strategic maneuver to bolster her position ahead of the upcoming Paris mayoral elections, rather than a genuine desire to contest the parliamentary seat.

Internal Party Dynamics

The relationship between Dati and Les Républicains has been fraught since she joined the centrist government under former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in early 2024. The ongoing rivalry between Dati and Barnier represents a broader struggle within the party, which has experienced internal conflicts since losing power in 2012. With a presidential election set for 2027, party officials are keen to manage this conflict carefully.

Concerns are growing within the ranks of Les Républicains that if Dati proceeds with her candidacy, it could risk losing the constituency to left-leaning candidates. An anonymous party official expressed worries, stating, “If Dati runs in the legislative election, the constituency could be lost to the left.”

A recent poll by IFOP indicated a split in the conservative vote between Dati and Barnier, with both candidates likely to face strong competition from a left-wing opponent in the district.

To ease tensions, the conservative nominating committee issued a statement on Monday, endorsing Barnier’s legislative ambitions while acknowledging Dati as “the best placed to represent change” in Paris. Barnier, in an effort to appease Dati, has publicly stated that he has “no municipal ambitions.”

The unfolding rivalry between Dati and Barnier is set against the backdrop of a politically charged Paris, where both candidates will be keen to secure their position as the race heats up. As the by-election approaches, the outcome will not only determine political representation for the district but also influence the future trajectory of the Les Républicains party.