Le Havre Mayor’s Future Could Hurt 2027 Campaign

A recent survey suggests that Edouard Philippe, the former Prime Minister who has led Le Havre since 2010, may lose his mayoral seat in next month’s local elections. The result would dent his hope of winning the 2027 presidential race, where he has been a frontrunner against far‑right contenders. The poll, conducted by OpinionWay for the Hexagone Institute, predicts Philippe will lead in the first round with 37 % of votes. However, a second round could see him overtaken by Communist candidate Jean‑Paul Lecoq. Philippe himself warned that a defeat in Le Havre would make it harder to persuade voters nationwide.Philippe has long been seen as the best chance for a centrist victory over Marine Le Pen or her successor Jordan Bardella. Earlier polls have shown him close to Bardella, with one in April showing a 50‑50 tie and another in November putting Bardella ahead at 53 %. The new data suggests his advantage may be shrinking. If he loses, the momentum of his campaign could falter. Voters will question whether a leader who cannot secure local support can rally the country. The outcome in Le Havre will be watched closely by all parties.