Political Candidates in 2027 French Election Use Staged Work Activities to Gain Voter Appeal

Edouard Philippe, a presidential candidate from the Horizons party, has recently engaged in public activities such as making fries in a food truck in Tourcoing alongside 2023 world champion fries maker and Gérald Darmanin, the city's deputy mayor. Prior to this, he was seen cutting sugar cane in La Réunion. These carefully staged events are designed to present Philippe as a relatable figure to voters but have sparked mockery on social media, portraying him as a disconnected technocrat and an "énarque" (elite civil servant) discovering manual labor.

This approach of political stunts where candidates impersonate workers is a recurring campaign tactic, used by figures like Rachida Dati, who appeared as a garbage collector, and Donald Trump, who gained popularity distributing fries at McDonald's. Emmanuel Macron also employed similar strategies, which faced ridicule. Alexandre Eyriès, a communication sciences researcher, explained that while such tactics are not innovative, they differ from typical political engagements and aim to reassure the general public by showcasing a working-class connection.

These efforts reflect an ongoing challenge for politicians to appear authentic and relatable amid growing public skepticism. Philippe’s recent appearances demonstrate how candidates adapt classic stunt strategies to the 2027 presidential campaign in an attempt to win voter trust, despite mixed reactions.