Ithe municipal elections in Paris began to resemble the vestibule of a courthouse. After Rachida Dati was tried for “corruption” in September 2026, here comes Sophia Chikirou, charged in the 2017 LFI campaign account case (she allegedly overcharged for communications services, an offense punishable by seven years in prison). The LFI MP from Paris has just announced, without much surprise, that he will be Insoumise’s candidate to replace Anne Hidalgo, next March. “We will rediscover Sophia Chikirou. For years, I let political enemies and the media tarnish my image. I am the opposite of my caricature,” he said in a press conference this Friday, September 14. Which is not entirely true: Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s partner had his teeth removed immediately after he was attacked.
Sophia Chikirou never gives up. He appeared tough, without affectation. On Media, the LFI-linked TV channel he directs, his outburst left a deep impression. “I’ve never seen someone so toxic,” he said in 2023, Releaseformer media journalist. He’s manipulative, he divides and conquers and he has an aura that makes you want to follow in his footsteps. » In September 2023, the show Further investigation revealing the insults hurled at Chikirou, after journalists were asked to issue a statement: “They did it, signed it, and enforced it. This bunch of fools.”
“I’m like Aymeric (Caron)”
The 46-year-old doesn’t mince words, just like Rachida Dati, whose career and behavior he appreciates without really admitting it. “I’m like Aymeric (Caron). I’d rather wait by the river to see their bodies pass by,” he responded one day to an MP who asked him to calm things down during an internal rebellion in the LFI. He also did not hesitate to throw weapons, for example comparing communist leader Fabien Roussel with PCF collaborator Jacques Doriot. Or assured without hesitation, a few weeks ago, that China is not a dictatorship. A few days ago, he was the right person, with a tricolor scarf draped over his shoulders, to support in front of the police station on the 19th.e disruptive arrondissement activists, at the Philharmonie de Paris, Israel’s orchestral concert.
The chosen one out of 6e Paris constituency, which includes parts of 11e and 20e arrondissement, had determined the direction of his campaign in Paris. “I wouldn’t buy a dress for 6,000 euros,” Sophia told Chikirou, clearly referring to Anne Hidalgo’s expense report. He has appointed several leaders in the arrondissement, including former Les Guignols author Bruno Gaccio in 7thenamely Rachida Dati. Most importantly, he aimed to fight housing costs and promised the implementation of municipal education in Paris.
The political goal is to advance to the second round. Walking seemed within his reach. If in 2020, in the previous municipal elections, the LFI garnered only 4.57% of the vote, the poll gives the Insoumise candidate around 12% of the vote in 2026. Enough to defend itself in the second round and win the LFI some elected officials in the Paris council (the Mélenchonist party is currently absent).
Maker, or kingmaker on the left
To find
Kangaroo today
Answer
For now, Emmanuel Grégoire, the socialist candidate, has clearly said that he will reject any alliance with the LFI, both in the first and second rounds. Environmental activist leader David Belliard left the door open to a joint listing with Insoumis. The alliance of the two parties in the first round could overtake Grégoire’s list. However, even alone, Sophia Chikirou will play the role of maker, or non-maker, of kings on the left wing.
By remaining in the second round, he would risk winning Rachida Dati or the Horizons candidate, who is supported by some Macronist supporters, Pierre-Yves Bournazel. Although she began her political career under the leadership of the socialists Laurent Fabius and Jean-Marie Bockel (who became Sarkozy’s minister), Sophia Chikirou was able to achieve Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s ultimate goal: to bend the Socialist Party if possible. And, first of all, in Paris.
