Raphaël Glucksmann Officially Launches 2027 Presidential Campaign in Aubervilliers

Raphaël Glucksmann, eurodéputé and co-founder of Place publique, officially launched his campaign for the 2027 French presidential election with a large political meeting in Aubervilliers on June 13. The event attracted between 3,000 and 4,000 supporters, exceeding expectations of 2,000 and reflecting significant enthusiasm and relief among his supporters. Flags representing Ukraine, Georgia, and France underscored the event’s diverse backing.

Glucksmann used the meeting to position himself as a social-democratic, pro-European alternative to both Emmanuel Macron and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who currently leads in the polls. Although he has not yet formally declared his candidacy, his speech focused on creating an ecological republic, reducing France’s dependencies on fossil fuels and foreign powers, and defending democracy and European sovereignty. He strongly criticized the far right, accusing it of wanting to "sell France to Trump and Putin."

Notable political figures such as Senator Grégory Blanc, regional presidents, former ministers, Carole Delga, and Yannick Jadot attended, underscoring solid left-wing support. Glucksmann aims to unite a fractured left, courting social democrats and center-left voters while distancing himself from Mélenchon’s far-left platform. He plans to take until September to build a firm campaign foundation before making a final decision on his candidacy.

The event, though successful in mobilizing support, largely reiterated existing policy positions rather than unveiling new initiatives. Glucksmann expressed confidence in challenging the political status quo, stating, "We will defy the predictions, bring the left back to power." This meeting serves as a crucial early step in his bid to establish a left-wing alternative that can compete effectively against both the National Rally and the far-left in 2027.