Overview

• Les Républicains' 121,617 members will vote electronically on May 17–18 to elect the party's new president between Bruno Retailleau and Laurent Wauquiez.
• Retailleau has pledged a clear right-wing direction and guaranteed that LR will field its own candidate in the 2027 presidential race.
• Wauquiez warns that under Retailleau's leadership, the party risks aligning too closely with Macronism and losing its independent identity.
• The leadership contest comes after a surge in membership and renewed optimism following Michel Barnier's appointment as Prime Minister.
• The outcome of the election is seen as pivotal for redefining LR's strategy, alliances, and leadership as it seeks to regain prominence in French politics.