Paris: Bloche becomes first deputy after Grégoire joins the Assembly

Former Socialist deputy Patrick Bloche was today appointed first deputy by Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, replacing Emmanuel Grégoire, who was elected deputy and whose delegation for urban planning goes to Lamia El Aaraje. "Patrick Bloche, one of the prime movers behind the Left's victory in Paris" in 2001, explained Anne Hidalgo to the Paris City Council. The left-dominated Paris City Council approved the choice by 97 votes in favor out of 163 elected members. Patrick Bloche retains his portfolio for education, early childhood, families and the Paris Council, which he held until now in this majority.