Laurent Wauquiez Signals Ambitions for French Presidency in 2027

The Republican Party leader and presidential hopeful emphasizes his vision for rebuilding France while campaigning for party leadership.

Laurent Wauquiez, head of the Republican Party (LR) parliamentary group, has openly expressed his goal of running for the French presidency in 2027.
In an interview with La Dépêche du Midi, Wauquiez stated his desire to 'rebuild' France and emphasized the presidency as the key position to achieve this vision.
Wauquiez is currently campaigning for the leadership of LR, with party members set to vote in mid-May between him and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, unless additional candidates enter by March 18.
Tensions between Wauquiez and Retailleau have surfaced, with Wauquiez criticizing 'unfortunate' remarks by his rival but stopping short of demanding an apology.
Wauquiez has rejected the idea of a primary election to select the party's presidential candidate, citing past divisions within the right as a reason for avoiding such a process.