Learn about the government structure and administration of Paris, including information about its local government, electoral system, and decision-making processes.
Paris is governed by a two-tier administrative structure. At the top is the Mayor of Paris, who serves as the executive head of the city and is elected by the City Council members. The Mayor is responsible for the overall administration and management of the city.
The City Council, also known as the Paris Council, is the legislative body of the city. It is made up of 163 members who are elected by the citizens of Paris every six years. The council is responsible for making decisions on local policies, approving the city's budget, and overseeing the actions of the Mayor.
Paris is further divided into 20 arrondissements, or administrative districts, each with its own local council. These local councils have limited autonomy and are responsible for carrying out local services and managing local infrastructure within their respective arrondissements.
The administrative structure of Paris also includes various municipal departments, such as the Department of Education, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing, and the Department of Culture, among others. These departments are responsible for specific areas of governance and work under the supervision of the Mayor.
Additionally, the city of Paris falls under the jurisdiction of the Île-de-France region, which has its own regional council and president. The regional council is responsible for regional policies, coordination among different municipalities in the region, and managing regional services.
Overall, the government structure of Paris involves a combination of local, regional, and centralized administration, with the Mayor of Paris playing a crucial role in the overall governance of the city.