Paris – 12.06.2026: Matthieu Pigasse, the well-known French banking investor and media entrepreneur, has expressed his willingness to run in the 2027 presidential election as a candidate of the left wing, if the left-wing political circles support him. In a conversation with AFP news agency, Pigasse emphasized the necessity of a “progressive left in government” and a “credible project to realize profound transformation.” He criticized previous social democratic strategies as insufficiently effective and called for a stronger direction towards social demands for fundamental changes.
Pigasse, who previously worked alongside Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Laurent Fabius for Lionel Jospin’s government in the late 1990s, believes that previous social democratic methods are no longer appropriate. He opposes the “supply-side policy” that has been pursued for over ten years under Emmanuel Macron. Instead, he supports a government with a clear orientation towards the left and full of ambition.
An important element in his program is to increase the minimum wage by 20%, raising it to 1,773 euros after tax – a proposal higher than the demand of the left-wing movement La France Insoumise. Pigasse stresses the necessity to combine social changes with pragmatic government work, similar to how Lionel Jospin implemented universal health insurance (CMU) and the 35-hour workweek in the 1990s.
Despite being known as an entrepreneur, he emphasizes a close connection to the left-wing movement. He criticizes previous political strategies and calls for a united left-wing alliance. Specifically, he opposes Raphaël Glucksmann, the centrist leader of “Place Publique,” who refuses to participate in the left-wing primary election.
Alongside political and business activities, Pigasse is also the owner of media businesses such as Radio Nova and the magazine “Les Inrockuptibles,” and is an organizer of music festivals like Rock en Seine and We Love Green. He sees these cultural activities as a contribution to the resistance against the far-right and calls his media work a “cultural battle” in that sense.
When asked about the possibility of running, Pigasse responded that he is only willing if he is seen as a unifying solution for the left wing. Otherwise, he will devote all his energy to supporting the chosen candidate. He does not want to become another candidate amid a fragmented left wing.
Finally, Pigasse emphasizes the importance of a united left front to win the 2027 presidential election. He calls on the different factions within the left to put aside their differences and jointly build a strong, united project.
Sources
- AFP
- Boursorama
- Le Figaro