![Édouard Philippe et Gérald Darmanin (Photo d'illustration). [Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/167240236/7260759ffc93cf6ac78aa9ea00c7e8226437fe5f4cfa8edbb291156dc729e5ff)
Overview
- Gérald Darmanin announced on Monday that he will not run for president in 2027 and has publicly pledged his support to Édouard Philippe.
- Darmanin intends to remain in government and does not expect to hold an official role in Philippe’s campaign.
- The endorsement is widely read as boosting Philippe’s lead inside the centre‑right bloc against Gabriel Attal by delivering high‑profile ministerial backing.
- Darmanin stressed he will press policy differences inside the alliance on retirement age, immigration and justice and positioned himself as a ‘right social’ voice who may speak out if ignored.
- Both men carry reputational risks — Darmanin was politically weakened by the Lyhanna controversy and Philippe is under a PNF probe — and the public Tourcoing rally on August 30 will test whether the move unifies the centre or exposes strains.