Gerald Darmanin urges Édouard Philippe to run for president

Paris – May 26, 2026: French Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin assessed that former Prime Minister and Mayor of Le Havre Édouard Philippe is “in the most favorable position” for the upcoming 2027 presidential election. In an interview with France 2, Darmanin emphasized the need for a united candidate from the moderate camp and stated that divisions within the center and right-wing must be avoided. He said, “We need one candidate.”

Darmanin, who has indicated his intention to run for president, stressed that now it is time for Philippe to clearly express his candidacy. “He must show us his desire to become the President of the Republic. I know him personally and know that he has such an ambition, but he must show it to the French people,” Darmanin explained.

Philippe has served as Mayor of Le Havre since 2010 and was Prime Minister under President Emmanuel Macron from 2017 to 2020. In the past, he hinted at his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election but has not yet made an official declaration.

The political environment surrounding the 2027 election is currently full of uncertainty. In addition to Philippe, former Minister of Education and now leader of the Renaissance party, Gabriel Attal, has also officially announced his candidacy. Attal aims to distance himself from Macron’s legacy and establish an independent political identity.

Darmanin himself has also expressed intentions to run in the past. In an April 2025 interview with “Le Parisien,” he said he is “working towards the presidency,” and highlighted the importance of primaries to select a joint candidate within the moderate camp.

The discussion about candidates for the 2027 presidential election currently reflects tensions within the French political spectrum. While the moderate camp seeks a united candidate to consolidate the right, right-wing parties face the challenge of overcoming internal conflicts and creating a consistent strategy.

The upcoming months will be crucial in clarifying the candidate lineup and the political priorities for the 2027 election. Ultimately, who will gain the support of the moderate camp and appeal to a broad electorate remains unknown.

Meanwhile, political debates within France will continue to focus on national identity, economic policy, and social justice issues. The coming months will show which topics will drive the agenda of the 2027 presidential election.