Édouard Philippe, Gérald Darmanin et Bruno Le Maire se préparent déjà en vue de la prochaine présidentielle en 2027. L’ancien Premier ministre, qui faisait sa rentrée politique, ce vendredi, à Angers, est celui dont les troupes sont le plus structurées.
Did this outstretched hand not have the appearance of a power struggle? The words were friendly, however: « I want those who have been by my side during these six years, who have implemented reforms alongside me, to be able to take over. Édouard Philippe has done that well, he is a friend, » assured Emmanuel Macron on July 25th in Nouméa.
Mais en adoubant Édouard Philippe, le président de la République a consciemment ouvert la bataille pour sa succession. Depuis il observe, non sans plaisir assurent ses proches, les autres candidats se positionner.
The head of state, who is very Darwinian, loves these moments when everyone competes to bring out, in his opinion, the best.
Philippe aims to seduce beyond the boundaries of Macronism.
There are currently three people on the starting line: Édouard Philippe, Gérald Darmanin, and Bruno Le Maire.
Leading in the polls, the first candidate made his political comeback this week on a tightrope. He must, indeed, remain loyal to the President in order not to alienate voters who are still loyal to him, while also differentiating himself to appeal to those beyond the shrinking boundaries of Macronism over the past 6 years.
Addressing everyone
Mais si le maire du Havre prend soin de ne pas attaquer le locataire de l’Élysée, il n’épargne pas ses propres adversaires.
One of his close associates confided in us at the end of August: « His belief is that when you engage in politics, you should address everyone, not just the working class. Because when you start targeting only one category, you divide the French people and it’s not a good way to build a nation. When you aspire to be President, you need to address everyone. »
Darmanin clive terriblement
Gérald Darmanin est évidemment visé, lui qui a, lors de sa rentrée à Tourcoing le 27 août, décidé de s’adresser à ces catégories. Il estime qu’elles ont été laissées-pour-compte depuis 6 ans.
Une critique à peine voilée de la politique entreprise par le chef de l’État. Si les macronistes ne sont pas tous fans d’Edouard Philippe, ils louent sa loyauté alors que Gérald Darmanin clive terriblement. Un front s’est même monté contre lui lorsqu’il a fait mine de se préparer pour Matignon.
« I will leave the government if he is appointed, » assured us a prominent minister in early September. The historical supporters of the party criticize him for both directly attacking Emmanuel Macron and embodying a very authoritarian stance that is rejected by those from the right or liberal left.
Le critère de la base militante
Gérald Darmanin’s other disadvantage is his lack of grassroots support. Unlike Édouard Philippe, who is trying to « build an army, » according to one of his close associates, the Minister of the Interior can only truly rely on his stronghold in the north.
The Minister struggles to step out of his area of expertise. Behind the two frontrunners, Bruno Le Maire also lays down markers, but with less obviousness. This leads some to say, « He pretends to be preparing because if he doesn’t, he is politically finished, but he knows he has no chance. »
He receives them in clusters, it’s like mass production.
He also lacks troops, but on the other hand, he cultivates his relationships with parliamentarians whom he regularly invites for lunch. « Well, he receives them in groups, it’s like mass production, whereas Gérald receives them one by one and really listens, » mocks a supporter of the Minister of the Interior. Furthermore, the head of Bercy is currently struggling to step out of his field of expertise to make more societal proposals.
Édouard Philippe, Gérald Darmanin, and Bruno Le Maire are not the only ones considering 2027. Much more discreetly, some claim that Jean Castex is also preparing, just like the President of the Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet, who is increasing her travels in France and abroad to expand her fame.
Élisabeth Borne est, elle aussi, soupçonnée d’y penser. Emmanuel Macron, lui, observe, compte les points, et espère sans doute voir se dégager un successeur qui ne contestera pas trop son héritage.
