Gabriel Attal considers holding presidential primary elections with the right and center, targeting the 2027 presidential election

Paris – 26 May 2026: Former prime minister and Renaissance party leader Gabriel Attal has officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. In a speech on 22 May 2026 in the small southern French village of Mur-de-Barrez, the 37-year-old expressed his ambition to lead the country and said he wanted to draw a line under the era of his predecessor Emmanuel Macron.

Attal emphasized the need to strengthen the political center and to offer an alternative to the polarized forces of La France Insoumise (LFI) and the National Rally (RN). In that context he discussed the possibility of holding a primary within the Macronist camp to choose a common candidate and avoid splitting the vote. He said: “If there is a risk in early 2027 of a second round between LFI and RN, and my political camp is not represented because of a split vote, then of course a union will have to be made.”

Attal’s remarks raised questions about whether other potential candidates would be willing to take part in such a primary. In particular, former prime minister and Horizons party leader Édouard Philippe has announced his candidacy and has repeatedly opposed the idea of a primary. Philippe stressed the importance of dialogue between parties and has launched a “liaison committee” with Horizons and the Democratic Movement (MoDem) aimed at uniting the center and center-right camps.

The discussion within the Macronist camp about a possible primary is part of a broader political strategy aimed at preventing a split in voter forces and selecting a joint candidate for the 2027 presidential election. In this context, 90 right- and center-leaning deputies published a call for unity in La Tribune Dimanche, seeking a common candidate to avoid a possible second-round showdown between LFI and RN.

Nevertheless, the political landscape remains fragmented. In addition to Attal and Philippe, Republicans member Bruno Retailleau and La République En Marche member Gérald Darmanin have also announced their intentions to run for president. Different strategies and potential disputes over leadership within any alliance make the selection of a joint candidate complex.

The coming months will be crucial to see whether the parties are willing to set aside differences and form a united front to strengthen the political center and prevent a split in voter forces. The discussion about a primary could play a key role in determining a consensual candidate and maximizing the chances of success in the 2027 presidential election.