French presidential candidates clash over policy ideas and energy strategy

Mayor David Lisnard accused Renaissance candidate Gabriel Attal of copying at least 11 proposals from his Nouvelle Énergie platform, sending a symbolic €19.58 “copyright invoice” and claiming six measures were taken “integrally” and five “partially”. Attal, who has pledged the biggest institutional reform since 1958, denied the charge.

Former prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve, also positioning himself for the 2027 presidential race, outlined a distinct energy vision. He stressed nuclear power as essential to France’s decarbonisation, supporting the renewal of existing reactors and the development of fast‑neutron generation‑IV reactors, while calling for a more rationalised investment in renewable sources. The differing stances highlight the policy debates shaping the French presidential campaign.