Paris – 20.06.2026: Bruno Retailleau, president of the Les Républicains party, announced the launch of his presidential campaign for the 2027 election on June 20, 2026, at the Parc Floral in Paris. In front of more than 4,000 supporters, he outlined his core political goals and emphasized the need for a political shift in France.
In his speech, Retailleau announced a constitutional amendment and a referendum to drastically reduce immigration. He emphasized his commitment as president to law and order, justice, and the pride of the French people. He had officially declared his candidacy in February 2026 and reaffirmed his intention to give France a new course based on order, prosperity, and national pride.
The former interior minister, who held office from 2024 to 2025, presents himself within his conservative party as a representative of a tougher line. His political focus lies on immigration, security, and national identity. Supporters point out that his clear stance could particularly appeal to voters seeking a departure from Macronism.
Despite his firm positioning, Retailleau faces challenges. In polls, he currently stands at around 8 to 9 percent of voter support, placing him behind competitors such as Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal. Nonetheless, he is considered an important player within the party and aims to establish himself as the natural candidate of the right.
A special moment of the event was the presence of the French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who was released in November 2025 after a year of imprisonment in Algeria. Sansal, known for his critical works, took a front-row seat to show his support for Retailleau. Retailleau had previously publicly demanded a stronger confrontation with the Algerian regime to secure Sansal’s release.
The event at Parc Floral served not only to present Retailleau’s political objectives but also to mobilize the party base. Despite the summer heat, over 4,000 people gathered, including more than 80 parliamentarians, to demonstrate their support. This broad presence is intended to strengthen Retailleau’s position within his party and advance his presidential campaign.
The coming months are crucial for Retailleau: He will continue his campaign while having to deal with internal party tensions as well as the competition for the right-wing electorate. He pursues the goal with determination to implement his vision for France and to sustainably change the country’s political landscape.
Sources
- Les Républicains
- Bruno Retailleau
- Parc Floral
- Boualem Sansal
- Présidentielle 2027