France Ex-Prime Minister Philippe wants to run for the 2027 presidential election

Amid tough talks about the formation of a new government in France, former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Philippe's move had already been expected in advance.

The 53-year-old, who served under President Emmanuel Macron from 2017 to 2020, announced his decision in an interview with French magazine "Le Point" published on Tuesday evening.

Commenting on his announcement, Philippe told Le Point: "I am preparing to propose something to the French. What I will propose will be massive. The French will decide." Philippe also said that France was currently facing "four dangers": democracy, the public budget, "gridlock" in the country and "public order and security".

Popular former prime minister

Philippe, who is currently mayor of the port city of Le Havre in Normandy, was prime minister during Macron's first mandate and was at times more popular than him - and remains popular in France. After his resignation in July 2020, he founded his own party called Horizons, which supports Macron's Renaissance party.

The current President Macron, who has been in office since 2017, will no longer be able to run in the upcoming presidential election.

SDA