In France, tensions are mounting among centrist politicians in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election. The rivalry between former prime ministers Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal is dividing the moderate electorate and creating the risk of a second round featuring far-right leader Marine Le Pen and radical left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
- In France, the rivalry between the centrists Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal is intensifying in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
- Marine Le Pen receives 36% of support, Jean-Luc Mélenchon 16.5%, and Édouard Philippe 15% in a scenario without Attal.
- If both Philippe and Attal take part, their support stands at 12% and 5% respectively.
- Some of Macron’s allies are calling on the centrists to agree on a single candidate.
Centrists are losing support ahead of the election
Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe For a long time, he was regarded as the leading candidate from the moderate political camp. However, his approval ratings are falling amid internal disputes and voter dissatisfaction with the presidency Macron.
According to the results of the October Ifop-Fiducial poll, carried out for *Le Figaro*, LCI and Sud Radio, in a scenario with a single centrist candidate, Philippe would receive 15% of support. This is six percentage points less than in September.
At the same time, under a similar scenario, Jean-Luc Mélenchon would receive 16.5%, whilst Marine Le Pen — 36%.
If, however, Philippe and Attal were to stand for election at the same time, support for the former would fall to 12%, and for the latter to 5%.
Political analysts attribute Philippe’s loss of support not only to the competition, but also to the difficulties faced by his election campaign.
Philippe and Attal cannot agree on a single candidate
The rivalry between the two former heads of the French government is becoming increasingly intense.
Gabriel Attal, who leads the presidential party «Renaissance», has proposed holding wide-ranging primaries to select a single candidate from the centrist camp. However, some of Macron’s allies are opposed to this initiative, fearing further division.
Attal wields considerable influence within the political camp, as he controls the party apparatus and the financial resources of «Vidrodzhennia».
A representative of the centre-left is creating further competition Raphael Glucksmann, former Minister of the Interior Bruno Retayo and the mayor David Lisnar, Cannes.
Macron’s team fears a second round without the centrists
Representatives of the presidential camp are expressing their concern ever more openly about the fall in the approval ratings of moderate candidates.
Former MP Jean-Baptiste Moreau stated that the mutual criticism between Philippe and Attal weakens both politicians.
A Member of Parliament from the MoDem, a party allied with Macron Perrin Goulet She also called on the centrists to set aside their personal ambitions and agree on a joint candidate.
At the same time, Philippe’s supporters believe that he still has a chance of making it through to the second round.
The French presidential election will take place in the spring of 2027. Emmanuel Macron is coming to the end of his second term as president and, in accordance with the Constitution, cannot stand for a third consecutive term.
