The proposed primary to choose a candidate for France’s centre-right in the 2027 presidential election is already facing resistance, even though no process has been organised. Gabriel Attal, the Renaissance candidate, has called for a primary among democrats, while Édouard Philippe of Horizons has dismissed the proposal as a source of division and confusion.
Attal renewed his argument on TF1 on November 2, saying he believed a primary was inevitable. Philippe had rejected the idea on the same programme the previous day. The exchange has drawn amused reactions from Les Républicains (LR), whose members have watched the two former prime ministers debate the proposal on television.
LR leader Bruno Retailleau has said he is not afraid of competing in a primary, but his camp is not rushing to make a decision. His entourage says the party should let the situation develop, with the question potentially revisited in January 2027. Retailleau is also hoping to benefit if Philippe’s standing in opinion polls continues to weaken.
Sources: Le Monde Politique.