Paris Elections: Lucie Castets Replaces 12th Arrondissement Mayor Amid ‘Toxic’ Management Claims
Lucie Castets to Lead Left-Wing Campaign in Paris’ 12th Arrondissement Following Former Mayor’s Withdrawal
Lucie Castets, a former candidate for Prime Minister, has been designated as the head of the left-wing list – excluding La France Insoumise – for the upcoming mayoral election in Paris’ 12th arrondissement. This appointment comes after Emmanuelle Pierre-Marie, the current mayor, withdrew her candidacy following accusations of “toxic” management practices.
The decision to replace Pierre-Marie was confirmed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, by her campaign team, as initially reported by Le Nouvel Obs. Castets, 38, will also take Pierre-Marie’s place on the central list, where the former mayor was positioned eighth.
Pierre-Marie’s withdrawal follows a week of scrutiny sparked by an investigative report published by Mediapart. The report detailed a town hall environment described as a “pressure cooker,” plagued by workplace suffering and a high rate of staff departures. According to the report, sixteen members of Pierre-Marie’s cabinet have left their positions in less than five years.
In a statement released on Instagram, Pierre-Marie cited the lack of suitable conditions for a “serene and people-focused” campaign as the reason for her decision. She also reportedly accused the Paris Socialist Party of failing to accept the transfer of the mayoralty to the Ecologists.
The situation has prompted an internal investigation by the Paris branch of the Ecologists, and the city’s general inspection department has also been engaged to examine the allegations.
Castets’ selection represents a shift in the left-wing coalition’s strategy for the 12th arrondissement. She previously ran as a candidate for Prime Minister in 2024 and is considered aligned with the ecologist movement. Emmanuel Grégoire, the candidate aiming to succeed Anne Hidalgo as mayor of Paris, reportedly approved the decision to bring Castets onto the ticket.
The controversy surrounding Pierre-Marie’s leadership has highlighted tensions within the left-wing alliance in Paris. Mediapart’s investigation revealed a deeply fractured environment within the 12th arrondissement’s town hall, with accusations of a hostile work atmosphere and a significant turnover of staff. The report paints a picture of a mayor struggling to manage her team and navigate political challenges within the broader Parisian political landscape.
The upcoming municipal elections in Paris are shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with the 12th arrondissement now featuring a new face at the helm of the left-wing campaign. Castets’ appointment signals a desire for a fresh start and a renewed focus on addressing the concerns raised by current and former employees of the town hall.