Mathieu Figas declares intention to run in the 2027 presidential election

Paris – June 12, 2026: Mathieu Pigasse, a well-known French investment banker and media entrepreneur, announced that he is ready to run as a left-wing candidate in the 2027 presidential election. However, this is only if the political left supports his candidacy. In an interview with AFP, Pigasse emphasized the need for a “radical left government” and a “trustworthy project for fundamental change.” He criticized the existing social democratic strategy as insufficient and argued that it should respond more strongly to social demands calling for fundamental change.

Pigasse has experience working in the government of Lionel Jospin in the late 1990s alongside Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Laurent Fabius, and he explained that the current social democratic approach is no longer suitable. He opposed the “supply-side economic policies” that have persisted for over ten years under Emmanuel Macron’s government. Instead, he stated that he supports a distinctly left-wing and ambitious government.

A key part of his policy is to increase the minimum wage by 20% to raise net income to 1,773 euros. This proposal exceeds the demands of the left-wing movement “La France Insoumise.” Pigasse stressed the need to combine social transformation with practical government work, just as Lionel Jospin did in the 1990s by introducing universal health coverage (CMU) and the 35-hour workweek, linking pragmatic governance with social change.

Although Pigasse is known as an entrepreneur, he emphasized that he is closely connected to the left-wing movement. He criticized existing political strategies and called for a united left force. In particular, he criticized Raphael Glucksmann, leader of the centrist “Place Publique,” for unwillingness to participate in a left-wing primary.

Besides his political and economic activities, Pigasse is the owner of media companies such as Radio Nova and the magazine “Les Inrockuptibles,” as well as the organizer of music festivals Rock en Seine and We Love Green. He views these cultural activities as part of the resistance against the far right and describes his media work as a “cultural battle.”

When asked about the possibility of running, Pigasse replied that he would only run if he is desired as the integrative solution of the left. Otherwise, he said he would passionately support the candidate likely to win and does not want to emerge as another candidate in a divided left-wing camp.

Finally, Pigasse emphasized the importance of a united left front to win the 2027 presidential election. He called on the various currents within the left to set aside differences and jointly pursue a strong and unified project.