The outgoing mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, kicked off her re-election campaign this past week. This week, in a populist move, she promised, if she wins the bid, to hold a referendum on the short-term rental (STR) market in the city.
She clearly stands against the sharing economy platforms like Airbnb, and has already threatened to eliminate the possibility of renting one’s apartment on STR in the 1st through 4th arrondissements. She came out staunchly against Airbnb sponsoring the Olympics, including the 2024 edition in Paris. But oddly she’s been against new construction, which is one way to accomplish Paris’ goal of creating more affordable housing.
Friends in the construction industry tell me that all across the land, not a single permit request for new building has been approved for months. City halls are stalling in order not to disturb the populace, thinking a pacified people will maintain the incumbents in power. No change is expected until after March, if then.