Gabriel Attal faces campaign spending tensions and polling challenges

Gabriel Attal is facing internal tensions within the macronist camp regarding the high costs of his 2027 presidential campaign. Critics, including associates of Édouard Philippe, have raised concerns over the use of Renaissance party financial reserves to fund large-scale political gatherings. A recent meeting in Lyon, which included subsidizing TGV travel for supporters, has become a focal point for these criticisms.

Simultaneously, Attal is struggling to maintain momentum in recent polling. An Odoxa-Backbone survey indicates that Attal holds 11% of voting intentions if running as the central bloc candidate, trailing behind Édouard Philippe at 17%, Jean-Luc Mélenchon at 18%, and Marine Le Pen at 37%. While Attal’s team anticipates a difficult autumn due to budgetary debates and fuel price increases, they suggest that a potential second-round matchup between Le Pen and Mélenchon could ultimately benefit his candidacy by positioning him as the candidate capable of broadening the electorate.