Édouard Philippe said he did not expect a proposed center-right primary to take place ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, urging rival candidates to decide by February how they would proceed.
In a TF1 evening-news interview on Nov. 1, Philippe said, “I don't think this primary will take place.” He said the process would bring “division” and “confusion,” and urged candidates to set their plans by February.
France 24, citing AFP, reported that Gabriel Attal proposed the primary last week. Attal also served as prime minister under President Emmanuel Macron. Philippe led the French government from 2017 to 2020 and is running for the center-right Horizons party.
France 24, citing AFP, said National Rally leader Marine Le Pen led the polling field, with France Unbowed’s Jean-Luc Mélenchon also showing strength. Philippe was ahead of other center-right candidates, the report said.
The runoff between the two strongest candidates is scheduled for May 2, after the first round on April 18, 2027, France 24 reported, citing AFP.
