Saint-Ouen Mayor Says Left-Wing Primary Project Is Faltering

Karim Bouamrane, the mayor of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, said Sunday that the project for a left-wing primary is losing momentum ^[1].

The comments come as the Socialist Party navigates internal tensions while attempting to organize a unified front for the 2027 French presidential election. The ability of the left to coalesce around a single candidate often determines their viability against centrist or right-wing opponents in the French two-round system.

During an interview on franceinfo's 8h30 programme on May 17, Bouamrane said the instability of the primary process is a concern. "Tout le projet primaire prend du plomb dans l’aile," he said ^[1]. The phrase indicates that the plan for a primary is faltering or losing its strength.

Despite his concerns regarding the process, Bouamrane has previously positioned himself as a potential contender for the presidency. In an interview with Le Parisien on April 9, he said, "Je peux être une « solution » pour la présidentielle 2027" ^[3]. However, he remained cautious about a formal declaration at that time, saying it would be "indécent" to pronounce himself immediately ^[3].

Bouamrane's political standing was recently bolstered by his performance in the Saint-Ouen municipal elections. He won the mayoral race with 56.44% of the vote ^[2]. His closest competitors included Manon Monmirel of La France Insoumise, who obtained 28.2% ^[2], and former mayor William Delannoy of the UDI, who received 15.35% ^[2].

The contrast between Bouamrane's municipal success and his skepticism about the primary reflects a broader struggle within the French left. While individual candidates may hold strong local mandates, the party infrastructure continues to struggle with the logistics and ideological divides of a national primary. Bouamrane's dual role as a critic of the primary process and a potential candidate suggests a complex strategy as the 2027 cycle approaches.