Gabriel Attal launches 2027 French presidential campaign with Aveyron visit

Former French prime minister Gabriel Attal formally announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election on Friday in the village of Mur‑de‑Barrez, Aveyron. Speaking to around a hundred participants at a citizen debate organised by the local Renaissance mayor, Attal said he wants to "write France's most beautiful pages" and positioned himself as the successor to Emmanuel Macron, despite recent tension with the president.

After the declaration, Attal toured the department, visiting the Millau viaduct observation point, a local college and meeting residents ranging from farmers to educators and health professionals. Issues raised included agricultural predation, the upcoming common hospital project, and the promotion of local ganterie crafts for UNESCO recognition. He also attended a traditional sausage‑aligot lunch and planned to join the transhumance of livestock in the Aubrac.

The announcement intensifies competition within the Macronist camp, where Édouard Philippe is also positioning himself for the 2027 race. Attal, 38, seeks to present a fresh face for the centre‑right while appealing to rural constituencies.