There was great celebration this evening in Paris for the mayor-elect, Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire , who rode through the city on a 'Velib', the shared bicycle that symbolized the "Hidalgo years." And it was the outgoing mayor, also a Socialist, Anne Hidalgo , who greeted the new mayor amidst widespread emotion in front of the Hôtel de Ville.

Hidalgo wished his successor well, claiming the Socialist victory against "the insults of the right." The two then embraced , and Hidalgo symbolically handed over the keys to the city to Grégoire. A growing crowd on the large esplanade in front of the Hôtel de Ville applauded and chanted slogans for the left that has governed the capital for 25 years.

"Thank you, Anne," was the outgoing mayor's slogan. The new mayor also embraced Socialist Party secretary Olivier Faure, who had come to City Hall to celebrate the left-wing candidate's victory.

(Unioneonline)