France’s centrist Renaissance party has formally called on former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to run in the country’s 2027 presidential election, signaling a growing leadership contest within President Emmanuel Macron’s political camp.
The party’s National Council approved a resolution encouraging Attal to enter the race, with 221 members — or 91% — voting in favour. Twenty-two members opposed the motion, while 10 abstained, Caliber.Az reports per French media.
The vote came one week after Élisabeth Borne resigned as chair of the party’s governing body. Borne reportedly stepped down over disagreements with Attal’s leadership style and concerns about a lack of internal debate over the party’s future direction.
Attal has until October 1 to officially declare his candidacy. Any nomination would still require approval from party members in a vote expected in the coming weeks.
Although he has not formally launched a campaign, Renaissance officials say Attal has already begun positioning himself for a presidential bid. Since late April, he has held public meetings across France, traveled extensively, promoted his new book, and prepared a major rally in Paris.
The contest to lead Macron’s political movement into the next presidential election is becoming increasingly competitive. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, another prominent figure in the president’s camp, has already announced his intention to run in 2027.
By Sabina Mammadli
