In a significant development within French politics, former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has announced his intention to run for the presidency in 2027. Philippe, a prominent figure in the centrist movement and a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, made the declaration in an interview with Le Point magazine published on Tuesday.
This announcement comes at a crucial juncture for President Macron, who is currently facing a hung parliament and is in search of a new Prime Minister to form a new government. Macron’s second term is set to expire in nearly three years, and he is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. Philippe, who served as Macron’s first Prime Minister after defecting from the conservative Les Republicains party following the 2017 election, now joins the race to succeed his former political patron.
Philippe’s time as Prime Minister was marked by significant challenges, including the violent “Yellow Vests” street protests in 2018 and the initial COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. He stepped down from his position shortly after the implementation of the first lockdown. His decision to run for President in 2027 signals his intention to play a prominent role in shaping the future of French politics.
