Matthieu Pigasse signals willingness to run for president in 2027

Paris – 12 June 2026: Matthieu Pigasse, the well-known French investment banker and media entrepreneur, has expressed his willingness to run in the 2027 presidential election as a left-wing candidate if the political left supports his candidacy. In an interview with the AFP news agency, Pigasse emphasized the need for a “radical left-wing government” and a “credible project for profound transformation.” He criticized previous social democratic strategies as insufficient and called for a stronger focus on social demands for fundamental change.

Pigasse, who worked alongside Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Laurent Fabius for Lionel Jospin’s government in the late 1990s, stated that previous social democratic approaches are no longer suitable. He spoke out against the “supply-side policy” that Emmanuel Macron has pursued for more than ten years. Instead, he advocated for a government whose political orientation is clearly left-wing and ambitious.

An essential element of his program is a 20 percent increase in the minimum wage, which would raise it to €1,773 net, a proposal that exceeds the demands of the left-wing movement “La France Insoumise.” Pigasse stressed the need to combine social transformations with pragmatic government work, similar to how Lionel Jospin introduced universal health insurance (CMU) and the 35-hour workweek in the 1990s.

Although Pigasse is known as an entrepreneur, he emphasized his close ties to the left-wing movement. He criticized previous political strategies and called for a unified left-wing force. In particular, he spoke critically of Raphaël Glucksmann, the centrist leader of “Place Publique,” who refuses to take part in a left-wing primary.

In addition to his political and economic activities, Pigasse owns media companies such as Radio Nova and the magazine “Les Inrockuptibles,” and organizes music festivals such as Rock en Seine and We Love Green. He sees these cultural activities as a contribution to resistance against the far right and described his media work as a “cultural battle” in this sense.

When asked about his possible candidacy, Pigasse replied that he will only run if he is wanted as a solution that unites the left. Otherwise, he will energetically support the person who is chosen. He does not want to present himself as just another candidate in a fragmented left-wing landscape.

In conclusion, Pigasse emphasized the importance of a united left-wing front to win the presidential election in 2027. He called on the various currents of the left to set aside their differences and work together on a strong, unified project.