Launch of 'Le Projet France' Aims to Redefine Political Engagement Ahead of 2027 Election

A new initiative seeks to engage citizens in developing a program for the 2027 presidential election through collective contributions.

Key Points

  • • The launch of 'Le Projet France' invites citizen participation for the 2027 presidential election.
  • • The initiative aims to gather contributions over 70 weeks, culminating in a proposal by autumn 2026.
  • • Inspiration drawn from the Gilets jaunes movement underscores the importance of public engagement.
  • • Founders aim to shift political focus from candidates to their platforms, expressing discontent with the current political system.

In a significant political move, a new initiative named 'Le Projet France' was launched on June 12, 2025, by a coalition of politicians including former Minister Olivier Becht. This project invites citizens across the political spectrum to collaboratively outline a comprehensive program for the upcoming 2027 presidential election, focusing on inclusivity and the importance of grassroots participation in political discussions.

Over the next 70 weeks, the initiative seeks to gather contributions from citizens on crucial topics such as health, education, purchasing power, and security, culminating in a proposal by autumn 2026. The founders are motivated by a desire to shift political focus from candidates to their platforms, asking the vital question of 'what for' in politics. This approach is partly inspired by past movements, including the Gilets jaunes protests and the concept of cahiers de doléances, which aimed to collect citizens’ grievances and suggestions.

Currently, the initiative has only attracted around fifty contributions, although its founders hope to gather hundreds of thousands by the end of the period. They express frustration with the existing political landscape, suggesting that despite increased financial resources, the effectiveness of governance has failed to meet citizens' expectations. Becht emphasized, "We have never spent so much money and it has never worked so poorly," conveying a sentiment shared by many regarding the disconnect between government actions and the needs of individuals.

The program's goals extend beyond immediate political discourse; it aims to fundamentally reshape political engagement by fostering a collective vision for the future. According to the founders, the objective is to "recreate a dream" for the 21st century that envisions a society characterized by health, safety, and fulfilling jobs, encapsulating a hopeful outlook for the future of France.

As the project progresses, its impact on the political landscape will be observed, particularly as it pushes for a participatory approach in shaping the future of French politics.