An economist by training and the outgoing mayor of Paris-Centre since 2020, Ariel Weil is seeking another term at the head of the sector that encompasses the first four arrondissements of the capital. Born in 1973, this socialist, who previously served as mayor of the 4th arrondissement before the merger of the first four arrondissements of the capital, advocates a highly data-driven vision of public action: traffic, demographics, housing – everything is measured and evaluated.
Closely aligned with the municipal majority, he has distinguished himself through his commitment to rebalancing public space—developing cycling infrastructure, reducing car traffic, and creating streets for schools—and through a proactive approach to keeping families in central Paris, countering the idea of a widespread exodus. On the eve of the 2026 municipal elections, he presents himself as the guarantor of a more peaceful, greener, and socially diverse Paris city center, focusing on housing, local public services, and a particular attention to children and their living environment.
Ariel Weil is a child of the Marais district, where he lives and raises his children. We met him at the Marché des Enfants Rouges.
1. Population decline in central Paris
Le Marais Mood : Are you alarmed by the population decline in central Paris, with thousands of residents lost each year, particularly middle and lower-class families, between 2012 and 2026? What measures will you use to retain them or bring them back (schools, services, housing, neighborhood life)?
2. Real estate prices and rents
Le Marais Mood : High property and rent prices are driving the middle class out of central Paris. What options does the mayor of central Paris have? What specific measures will you implement to address this demographic shift (pre-emption rights, regulations, family housing, dialogue with the City)?
Ariel Weil Here too, we need to set the record straight on the figures. In the Marais district, purchase prices rose sharply between the late 1990s and the 2000s. Prices per square meter almost tripled during that period, going from €2000-€3,000/m² to over €6,000-€8,000/m² before peaking at over €12,000/m² in 2021. Today, we are seeing a slight decrease in purchase prices, although this remains marginal. This price surge in the 2000s is partly explained by the explosion in vacant housing, which is used as an investment by some buyers, particularly foreign ones. This pressure exerted by vacant properties weakens social diversity and threatens the presence of families and the middle class.
To address this trend, we are utilizing all available pre-emption rights to create new affordable housing for families. We have also strengthened rent control and are actively combating illegal leases used to circumvent tenant protections. At the same time, we are strictly enforcing the ban on new tourist accommodations stipulated in the bioclimatic Local Urban Development Plan (PLU). We are also working on revising the Marais regulations (the PSMV) to make them even more protective and prevent the conversion of housing and businesses into tourist accommodations.
3. Impact of Airbnb
Le Marais Mood : Is Airbnb a "toxic business" in a touristy area like the Marais, or does it help make ends meet? What measures have you considered (controls, quotas, sanctions)?
Ariel Weil: There are two types of Airbnb-style furnished rentals: those who buy an apartment to rent it out continuously for short stays, and those who live in it and rent it out occasionally. Making decisions on this has been very difficult because there's real competition for precious square footage of housing in our districts. Thanks to legislative advances, we now have control over tourist rentals: we can refuse the conversion of apartments into commercial residences. We've turned off the tap thanks to intensive lobbying of lawmakers. However, there remains a stock of Airbnb-style furnished rentals that will run out. Recently, the possibility of renting one's apartment for 120 days has been reduced to 90 days thanks to a measure passed by the Paris City Council. That's a lot; it's three months of vacation, and yes, it allows those who need it to make ends meet. The initial collaborative intention (renting out one's apartment) isn't problematic at this rate.
4. Pop-up stores
Le Marais Mood : What about pop-up stores? Are they the "Airbnb of retail," weakening local shops? How can they be regulated to preserve sustainable businesses?
Ariel Weil: I like this complex subject, and it seems important to me not to reduce it to "it's disgusting". In the Marais, there are many historic showrooms, because historically, this neighborhood has been home to fashion, the textile industry, and galleries that rent out their spaces during Fashion Week. Le Marais lives off couture, ready-to-wear, and until now these Fashion Weeks were favorable to galleries (there are 100 to 160 of them).
Pop-up shops can sometimes be useful: they offer a real advantage for entrepreneurs and creators. But the disregard for the rules by influencers who occupy 1,000 m² of public space for only 10 m² actually rented is problematic.) This is a nuisance to residents and businesses. My plan: a post-event fee (like a parking fine), which will help restore order to these unauthorized occupations of public space. Public space is inalienable. We agree to free authorization for events of general interest (Chinese New Year, flea markets on Rue de Bretagne – which, incidentally, fund Christmas festivities, school fairs, etc.). Otherwise, there will be a temporary fee. And for those without authorization? They will have to pay a more expensive post-event fee, a fine.
5. School canteens
Le Marais Mood : Chef Michel Sarran took to social media to describe the poor quality of school lunches, sharing a photo of his granddaughter's tray. What is your assessment and what measures do you propose regarding school lunches in central Paris (organic food, local sourcing, menu control)?
Ariel Weil: My plan, which will greatly benefit the young residents of the city center, is underway (there's still a year of construction left). I've launched a major project: a community kitchen in the former Paul Dubois school building. By 2027, we'll be preparing homemade meals there for the school cafeterias of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th arrondissements. Even though the 4th arrondissement, where I was mayor, already has a cafeteria that's more in line with healthy eating standards. As is the case in the 4th, 85-90% of the products will be organic, purchased directly from farmers: meat, fish, and plant-based alternatives. And we'll have these hot meals delivered by electric cargo bikes. There will also be a vegetable garden. We'll be organizing parent/child workshops for tours before the opening.
6. Allegations of mistreatment in schools
Le Marais Mood : In recent years, there have been accusations of mistreatment and sexual assault in after-school programs at schools in the neighborhood (Paul-Dubois, La Perle). What reforms do you propose for the selection, training, and monitoring of those in contact with children?
Ariel Weil: It's atrocious. Like everyone else, I've discovered certain information; I'm one of the lucky ones whose children haven't had to endure this. For me, it's a very important issue. As early as 2020, with my deputy Karine Barbagli*, I met with parents of victims. We implemented training for students, teachers, and activity leaders to detect signs of abuse, as well as measures against harassment and violence ("Fri For Mobberi," a Danish program to combat school bullying). Since 2020, all after-school staff have been recruited after verification of three databases, including criminal records and the FIJAISV (National Automated File of Sex Offenders), by the CASPE Paris Centre (Paris Centre Regional Social Action Center).
These checks are repeated several times a year. I agree with Emmanuel Grégoire, our candidate for Paris, when he says we haven't gone far enough. We need to make recruitment less precarious: we must give permanent positions to the civil servants who look after our children. We must respect the procedures (questions, documents), because the rules do exist. Supervision must also be carried out. And we must support school principals, because they have the on-the-ground expertise.
7. Traffic in Paris
Le Marais Mood : Some say the traffic is "hellish" (healthcare workers, including SOS Médecins, and shopkeepers). Do you share this opinion? Will there be any changes to traffic flow for ambulances and deliveries?
Ariel Weil: That's false, and it deserves a proper fact-check. The data shows a decrease in traffic. We have 25 to 30% less pollution in Saint-Merri, and fatal collisions are down. Pedestrianized streets around schools are a success. The benefit is significant for pedestrians and public services (police, sanitation, healthcare, ambulances, buses). Bus travel time has decreased by 25% during peak hours on lines 29 and 75, for which we created dedicated bus lanes (RATP data). On Rue de Rivoli, it was a mistake to remove the bus lane; my plan is that we need bus lanes on all major thoroughfares.
Regarding tradespeople and healthcare professionals, I get the impression they are poorly informed (regarding the code nomenclature). If you are a small repair business (for example, for boilers), you can benefit from exemptions. Furthermore, doctors with a medical license (caduceus) benefit from free or reduced-price parking. Finally, we have an agreement with SOS Médecins, which has been able to see patients on weekends for the past two to three years at the Yvonne-Pouzin medical and social center, located on Rue Volta.
The philosophy behind our list is very clear: to transform a historic, highly touristic center into a neighborhood where people can still "live and live better." My candidacy is based on three pillars: simplifying public services to bring them closer to residents, preserving everyday life (schools, shops, local healthcare), and taking concrete action to address climate change with more pedestrianization, calmer streets, and green spaces. In an area saturated with traffic, we also advocate for utilizing "hidden square meters"—basements, urban interstices—to create cultural and sporting venues, so that central Paris remains vibrant, desirable, and accessible.
Text: Katia Barillot
02.03.26
