Édouard Philippe Launches 2027 Presidential Bid with Focus on Bold Reforms

Philippe proposes legislative dissolution and referendums on pensions and governance as tensions grow over Bayrou's stance on retirement age.

Édouard Philippe officially declared his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election at a party congress in Lille, outlining a reform-heavy agenda.
Key proposals include dissolving the National Assembly and holding referendums on pension reform, a budgetary 'golden rule,' and administrative restructuring.
Philippe criticized François Bayrou’s rejection of returning the retirement age to 62, calling the ongoing pension reform discussions 'out of touch.'
Unions, including the CGT, are reconsidering their involvement in pension reform talks following Bayrou’s firm stance against lowering the retirement age.
The 2026 municipal elections are seen as a critical test for Philippe's party, Horizons, to strengthen its influence ahead of the presidential race.