Édouard Philippe Criticizes François Bayrou and Outlines Bold 2027 Presidential Vision

The former Prime Minister proposes sweeping reforms, including Assembly dissolution and referendums, while escalating tensions with Bayrou over retirement policies.

Édouard Philippe, leader of the Horizons party, formally launched his 2027 presidential campaign at a meeting in Lille, presenting an ambitious reform agenda.
Key proposals include dissolving the National Assembly upon election, holding referendums on retirement reforms, a budgetary 'golden rule,' and administrative restructuring.
Philippe sharply criticized François Bayrou's approach to retirement reforms, calling his 'conclave' method ineffective and disconnected from urgent national priorities.
Tensions between Philippe and Bayrou have intensified, with Bayrou labeling Philippe's critiques as 'antinational,' reflecting deeper political divides within the coalition government.
Philippe aims to position himself as the dominant candidate on the center-right, rejecting primary contests and focusing on consolidating local and national support through his party's municipal strategy.

Le Journal du Dimanche