Laurent Wauquiez, president of the Droite républicaine group in the National Assembly, called for a right-wing primary this autumn to prepare for the 2027 presidential election [1, 2].
The proposal signals a push for unity among conservative factions to avoid a fragmented candidacy that could jeopardize their chances in the next general election.
Wauquiez made the announcement during an interview on the "Face-à-Face" program on BFMTV and RMC [1, 3]. He said that if a primary is not organized this autumn, it will be too late [2].
According to Wauquiez, the process must begin with the establishment of a shared platform before moving to a vote, or a similar system, to unify the right [4]. He said that no one has yet decided the outcome for the right-wing candidates, and emphasized that the group must organize quickly [5].
The lawmaker represents Haute-Loire in the National Assembly [1]. He believes the urgency is necessary because the right risks losing the 2027 election if they fail to gather their supporters in a timely manner [4].
This call for a primary follows a period of internal debate regarding the best strategy to challenge the current administration. By advocating for a formal primary, Wauquiez is pushing for a transparent mechanism to select a single candidate who can lead a cohesive conservative coalition [2, 4].
While the interview took place on June 9, 2024 [1], the strategic focus remains on the 2027 cycle. The lawmaker's insistence on a common program suggests that ideological alignment is as critical as the selection of a leader [4].
““If we don’t organize a primary this autumn, it will be too late””
This move by Wauquiez is an attempt to force the French right to consolidate early. By demanding a primary and a shared program, he is seeking to prevent the splintering of conservative votes, which has historically benefited centrist or left-wing opponents in the French two-round voting system.
