Bruno Retailleau Sets Sights on 2027 Presidency

A new player is stepping up for France’s next presidential race. Bruno Retailleau, who led the interior ministry last year, has announced he will run in 2027. The 65‑year‑old comes from a long line of conservative politicians in western France. Retailleau’s time as interior minister was short but intense. He served under two different prime ministers and quit soon after the new cabinet was formed, upset with other appointments. That move hurt his reputation and made critics question his loyalty to the current administration. Now he faces a tough road. Opinion polls show him far behind the front‑liners, yet his party still commands a solid block in parliament.If he fails to reach the final showdown, his supporters may be courted by rival parties, especially the far‑right National Rally. His record on immigration and crime is hard‑line. He pushed for more deportations and stronger drug laws while in office. But those stances are also the hallmark of Marine Le Pen’s movement, which is already popular among voters who care about these issues. Since leaving the cabinet, Retailleau has openly criticized President Macron’s leadership. He argues that concessions to other parties in the 2026 budget have weakened the government’s position. The upcoming campaign will test whether he can rise above his past controversies and attract enough voters to win the 2027 election.