French Socialist Party debates primary format as it seeks 2027 presidential candidate

The French Socialist Party (PS) remains without a chosen presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Party leader Olivier Faure and Ecologist chief Marine Tondelier are pressing for a broad primary that would include sympathisers and other left‑wing forces, while Boris Vallaud and his allies favour a closed vote limited to PS militants and allied socialist groups. The party’s national council will decide on the voting rules that will be submitted to members on 9 July.

Four left‑wing parties – the Ecologists, Génération·s, L'Après and Debout – have issued an open letter urging the PS to adopt a primary, warning that without one the left risks marginalisation. Potential contenders mentioned include former Prime Minister Raphaël Glucksmann, PS figures Olivier Faure, Jérôme Guedj, Karim Bouamrane, Philippe Brun and the former president François Hollande. The debate also covers the proposed contribution fee for voters, ranging from €2 to €20.

Amid the stalemate, the party’s program drafted by Euro‑deputy Chloé Ridel was presented, emphasizing a “radical left of government” platform. The outcome of the internal vote will shape the PS’s strategy and its chances in the upcoming presidential race.