French right and center leaders call for 2027 presidential primary

2027 presidential election French politics open primary right-wing coalition centrist candidates

French political figures from the right and center are increasingly calling for an open primary to select a single candidate for the 2027 presidential election. David Lisnard, the mayor of Cannes, has advocated for a democratic process to prevent the fragmentation of votes, arguing that without a unified candidate, the bloc risks failure in the first round.

More than 200 elected officials, including Hervé Morin and Franck Louvrier, have signed a tribune and launched a petition to support this initiative. They warn that the current dispersion of candidates—including Édouard Philippe, Gabriel Attal, and Bruno Retailleau—could lead to a second-round matchup between Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

Recent polling highlights the lack of a clear leader within the moderate and right-wing camps. Édouard Philippe has seen a slight decline in support, while Gabriel Attal and Bruno Retailleau remain below the leading figures in various scenarios. Benjamin Haddad, the Minister Delegate for Europe, has also expressed support for Édouard Philippe, citing his ability to unite the center and the right.

Entities

David Lisnard · France · Hervé Morin · Jean-Luc Mélenchon · Marine Le Pen · Édouard Philippe

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Marine Le Pen leads polling with 35 percent. www.prensa-latina.cu
[● 3 SOURCES] Jean-Luc Mélenchon holds approximately 14.5 to 17 percent in polling. information.tv5monde.com · www.prensa-latina.cu
[● 3 SOURCES] Lisnard argues that no natural candidate currently dominates the right and center. information.tv5monde.com · www.prensa-latina.cu
[● 3 SOURCES] David Lisnard proposes holding an open primary for the right and center to select a common presidential candidate. information.tv5monde.com · www.prensa-latina.cu
[● 3 SOURCES] Bruno Retailleau is polling below 10 percent. information.tv5monde.com · www.prensa-latina.cu
[● 3 SOURCES] Édouard Philippe is polling at approximately 14 to 17 percent. information.tv5monde.com · www.prensa-latina.cu
[● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Attal is polling between 7.5 and 15 percent. information.tv5monde.com · www.prensa-latina.cu