International travels by Anne Hidalgo are escalating, causing inconvenience
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, has been bouncing around the globe like a ping-pong ball lately. In six months alone, she's jet-setted to a dozen countries, including the US, Belgium, Kenya, Switzerland, Vietnam, and Mauritania.1
"Paris has a global influence due to its tourist and historical status, and the role of the mayor necessitates an international presence," explains Patrick Bloche, the First Deputy Mayor, to Le Monde.
But not everyone is on board with Hidalgo's world tour. Opponents criticize her carbon footprint, especially given Hidalgo's emphasis on ecology.2 They also point out the lack of transparency in her travel plans, as they're usually filled in afterwards.1
Dancing Among the Opposition
The opposition has been pretty vocal about Hidalgo's international engagements. RMC reports they've accused her of using her travels to prepare for a potential new job—she's been campaigning to become the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.3
On the other hand, some argue that her frequent travel is an investment in Paris tourism.4
And don't think she'd miss Paris's big wins. Hidalgo was nowhere to be found at the PSG players' Champions League final celebration in Munich, despite the team's victory.3
Tips and Insights
:bulletpoint_left: Hidalgo has traveled to Kenya, Vietnam, the United States, Mauritania, and more since the beginning of 2025.:bulletpoint_left: Her destinations include Switzerland and possibly the UN General Assembly in Nairobi.:bulletpoint_left: Critics question her carbon footprint, lack of transparency in her travels, and potential move to the UN.:bulletpoint_left: Some view her frequent travel as a distraction from her duties as mayor of Paris.
:footnoteref:[1] Anne Hidalgo's Travel Frequency and Carbon Footprint
:footnoteref:[2] RMC
:footnoteref:[3] Les Grandes Gueules
:footnoteref:[4] Emmanuel de Villiers
:footnoteref:[5] Flora Ghebali
"Despite the controversy surrounding her carbon footprint and critics questioning her transparency, Anne Hidalgo's travels to various countries such as the United States, Kenya, and Vietnam can also be seen as an investment in Paris's tourism and general-news for enhancing its global influence."
"Furthermore, while Anne Hidalgo's opponents accuse her of using her travels to prepare for a new job like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refuges, her involvement in political discussions such as business and lifestyle also strengthens Paris's presence in global affairs."
