Anne Hidalgo Transforms Public Space in Paris, but at What Cost?

A Parisian who hasn't been to their city since 2014 would be disoriented walking the streets 12 years later. The public space in Paris has changed under the two terms of outgoing Socialist mayor Anne Hidalgo. Defenders of her record say the city is more accessible and greener, while critics point to poor road conditions and vegetation that is mostly for show. Despite environmental goals, there's a trend towards "cementification," with examples like Place de la République and Place de la Bastille still looking very stony after renovation. However, overall, this artificialization of the ground isn't objectively measured, as mapping by the Institute Paris Region shows.