Political Heavyweights Convene at 2026 Salon de l'Agriculture Ahead of Crucial Elections

The 2026 Salon de l'Agriculture, inaugurated by President Emmanuel Macron, has become a pivotal political arena as France approaches the municipal elections next month and the 2027 presidential election. This event marks the penultimate agricultural show presidency for Macron and is distinctively the first edition without livestock. It not only showcases French agricultural achievements but also functions as a significant barometer for the political climate.

Over 80 political visits have been scheduled, reflecting the event's importance as a platform for politicians to connect with rural communities and promote their agendas. Notable figures attending include Gabriel Attal, the Renaissance party secretary general, and Valérie Pécresse, vice-president of Île-de-France, both making appearances on February 22. Pécresse notably compared the Salon to the Cannes Film Festival, underscoring its electoral and cultural prominence.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu made his initial attendance, aiming to engage directly with the agricultural sector through multiple visits—a strategy to strengthen government ties with rural constituencies. Bruno Retailleau from Les Républicains is expected to present his agricultural policy soon. Additionally, anticipation mounts for the soon-to-be-presented agricultural emergency law promised after the January crisis, although its Senate and National Assembly review remains pending.

This year’s event, held at the Porte de Versailles, draws heightened media, public, and exhibitor attention, even as political figures use it as a springboard for election campaigns. The event highlights the central role agriculture continues to play in French politics, especially as candidates prepare for imminent elections.

In sum, the Salon de l'Agriculture serves as a vibrant venue where political aspirations meet grassroots engagement, setting the stage for the upcoming electoral battles in France.