Paris – June 12, 2026: Mathieu Pigasse, a prominent French investment banker and media entrepreneur, has announced that he is ready to run as a left-wing candidate if the political left supports his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. In an interview with AFP, Pigasse emphasized the need for a “radical left government” and a “credible project for profound transformation.” He criticized the previous social democratic strategy as insufficient and called for a stronger response to the social demands for fundamental change.
Active in the late 1990s alongside Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Laurent Fabius in the Lionel Jospin government, Pigasse stated that the previous social democratic approach is no longer suitable. He opposed the “supply-side economic policies” pursued for more than ten years under the Emmanuel Macron administration and called for a government with a clearly left-wing and ambitious political direction.
One of the key pillars of his policy is the proposal to raise the minimum wage by 20% to a net amount of 1,773 euros, exceeding the demands of the left-wing movement “La France Insoumise.” Pigasse emphasized the need to link social transformation with pragmatic government management, as done by Lionel Jospin in the 1990s with the introduction of universal health insurance (CMU) and the 35-hour workweek.
Known as an entrepreneur, Pigasse also stresses a strong connection to the left-wing movement. He criticized past political strategies and called for a unified left-wing force. He also expressed critical views on the refusal of centrist leader Raphaël Glucksmann of “Place Publique” to participate in the left-wing primary elections.
In addition to his political and economic activities, Pigasse is the owner of media companies such as Radio Nova and the magazine Les Inrockuptibles, and organizer of music festivals like “Rock en Seine” and “We Love Green.” He regards these cultural activities as part of the resistance against the far right and calls his media activities a “cultural struggle.”
When asked about his candidacy, Pigasse indicated he would only run if requested as a unified solution for the left. Otherwise, he stated he would energetically support the chosen candidate, making it clear he does not intend to run as one candidate among a divided left.
Finally, Pigasse emphasized the importance of left-wing unity to win the 2027 presidential election and called on various factions of the left to set aside their differences and work together on a strong and unified project.
References
- AFP
- Boursorama
- Le Figaro