Having emerged from the government shadows last October, Bruno Retailleau has officially launched his bid for the Élysée Palace. The president of the Les Républicains (LR) party announced this Thursday, February 12, that he is running for president in 2027. At 65, the former Minister of the Interior hopes to establish himself as the natural choice for the right wing before the competition becomes more entrenched.

A speed strategy

It was through a personal message addressed to each LR parliamentarian that the party leader revealed his intentions: "I wanted to inform you personally that I am preparing to announce my candidacy." A carefully considered decision that will be followed by a social media address at 6 p.m., then an appearance on TF1's 8 p.m. news program.

To stand out, the senator from Vendée is relying on a clear three-pronged approach:

1. The order
2. Prosperity
3. French pride

To cut the ground out from under his rivals

By announcing his candidacy 14 months before the election, Bruno Retailleau is seeking to gain an advantage over his potential rivals from the center and right, most of whom are waiting until spring. Only Édouard Philippe has already declared his candidacy, although he is currently preoccupied with his re-election campaign in Le Havre.

This haste could be a response to the recent defeat of the Republicans (LR) in a by-election in Haute-Savoie against the party of Éric Ciotti (UDR). It also comes the day after the conclusion of Marine Le Pen's appeal trial, creating political space while uncertainty hangs over the eligibility of the National Rally (RN) leader until the verdict expected in July.

A mixed reception

Within his political family, reactions are mixed:

1. Support: Mathieu Darnaud, his successor in the Senate, welcomes an initiative that allows one to "have an impact through ideas".
2. Criticism: An anonymous minister denounces "catastrophic timing" and a purely individual approach.

A political landscape in turmoil

The absence of Emmanuel Macron, who cannot run for re-election, unleashes ambitions on all sides: | Political Camp | Declared or Expected Candidate(s) | | :--- | :--- | | Right (LR) | Bruno Retailleau | | Center (Horizons) | Édouard Philippe | | Far Right (RN) | Marine Le Pen / Jordan Bardella | | Left (LFI / Ecologists) | Jean-Luc Mélenchon / Marine Tondelier |