According to a poll from the end of March cited by "Politico", in a possible run-off the former prime minister would beat Le Pen with 53 percent against 47 percent and Bardella with 51,5 percent against 48,5 percent
Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe He is banking on conservative voters to establish himself as the main alternative to the National Rally in the 2027 presidential elections. This was reported by the European edition of the portal "Politico," following the launch of the Horizons leader's campaign in Reims. Philippe, a former ally of the president, Emmanuel Macron and mayor of Le Havre, openly claimed his political roots: "I know where I come from: from the right," he said in front of over 800 party delegates, adding: "I know who I am: at the head of a right-wing party." The strategy aims to consolidate an electoral base capable of carrying him to the second round against Marine Le Pen o Jordan Bardella, but it presents several risks. In fact, the leaders of the Republicans are moving on the same ground, Bruno Retailleau, tougher on immigration and security, and the former prime minister Gabriel Attal, a candidate from the Macronian camp, who according to some polls is gaining ground.
Philippe remains one of the most popular political figures in France, thanks in part to his handling of the pandemic, but critics accuse him of excessive caution and a still undefined project. According to a late March Elabe poll cited by "Politico," in a potential runoff election, Philippe would beat Le Pen by 53 percent to 47 percent and Bardella by 51,5 percent to 48,5 percent. The Horizons leader promises a "massively optimistic" vision, a business-friendly economic policy, cutting red tape, restoring order and security, and a discussion with unions on pensions. The challenge, however, will be uniting the diverse souls of the center-right without alienating the moderate left-wing electorate, which is essential in a potential second round against the far right.
