Renaissance Party Poised to Designate Gabriel Attal as 2026 Presidential Candidate

As France's 2026 presidential election approaches, the Renaissance party is nearing a critical decision on how to select its candidate. After two months of internal consultation led by party figures Jean-Marc Borello and Bariza Khiari, a strong majority of party militants have voiced their preference for designating the candidate through the party's national council rather than holding a primary election.

According to recent reports, about 70% of Renaissance party members favor designation followed by a member vote, while only 15% support an internal primary and another 15% an open primary. Reflecting this consensus, the executive bureau of Renaissance voted unanimously with 60 votes in favor and no opposition to present two options to the national council: either officially designate Gabriel Attal as the party's presidential candidate if he decides to run or organize an internal primary, the less favored alternative.

The national council, led by Élisabeth Borne who was not present at the executive meeting, is scheduled to meet on May 12, 2026, to make the final decision. Should the council opt for designation, a vote among party members will take place within ten days.

Gabriel Attal's candidacy appears increasingly inevitable, although he has not yet declared it. He has been actively preparing for the election, including publishing a book titled "En homme libre," where he reflects critically on Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly, calling it one of the most disastrous political decisions of the Fifth Republic. Attal is also engaging in public appearances ahead of a major rally planned in Paris on May 30.

This decision comes amid a backdrop of strategic positioning within Renaissance as the party seeks to solidify support behind a candidate capable of leading its charge in the 2026 election.

In summary, Renaissance's internal debate appears resolved towards designating Gabriel Attal as its presidential candidate, pending the national council's confirmation. This will set the stage for the party's campaign and offers a significant indication of the party's direction going forward in the election cycle.