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Bruno Retailleau, the head of France’s right-wing Republicans party and former interior minister, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.
In a message to party members on Thursday, the 65-year-old veteran politician called for a “new path” for the nation, prioritising order, economic prosperity, and national pride.
Retailleau’s entry comes as the field to succeed Emmanuel Macron—who is barred by term limits from running again—begins to take shape.
While Retailleau currently polls as the most popular choice among right-wing voters, he faces a crowded and competitive landscape.
His primary challengers include centrist former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and a dominant far-right faction.
The race’s biggest wildcard remains the far right.
Current frontrunner Marine Le Pen is awaiting a July court ruling on a fraud case that could ban her from public office. If she is disqualified, her 30-year-old protégé Jordan Bardella is expected to run in her place.
Recent polling suggests Bardella would be the favourite to win a second-round runoff regardless of his opponent, posing a massive challenge to Retailleau’s goal of uniting the traditional right.
