French Left Faces Challenges in Uniting Ahead of 2027 Presidential Election

As the 2027 French presidential election approaches, the country's left-wing political forces are grappling with internal divisions and the urgent need for unity to counter the anticipated advance of the far-right Rassemblement National. Former Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has called for a reorganization of the left, emphasizing that success will require a collective project that transcends individual parties. Speaking on France 2, Cazeneuve criticized the current strategy, declaring, “For now, we’re doing everything backwards.” He argued that a united left-wing force must be assembled before any candidate selection to ensure a credible challenge to the far-right. Cazeneuve also highlighted the importance of merging various leftist movements, lamenting the failure of initiatives such as the attempted unification of “La Convention” with Place publique.

One potential candidate Cazeneuve suggested to embody this unified left is MEP Raphaël Glucksmann, lauding his talent while recognizing the challenges ahead. Glucksmann himself has recently experienced uncertainty about his political trajectory. His latest appearance on LCI sparked concerns among Socialist Party supporters regarding his presidential ambitions. According to Aurore Lalucq, a close ally of Glucksmann since 2018, he remains deeply engaged in the campaign, particularly given France’s drift towards the far-right. Despite his previous electoral performances—6.19% in the 2019 European elections and 13.83% in 2024—his recent strategic silence and a missed opportunity during a critical television moment have fueled speculation about his future role.

The left’s predicament is clear: to stand a chance against the growing strength of the far-right, it must first build a cohesive and collective platform. Both Cazeneuve’s call for structural unity and the evolving situation around Glucksmann underscore the complex and delicate process confronting the French left as it prepares for 2027.