Rivalry Deepens Between Bruno Retailleau and Laurent Wauquiez in French Right

Public displays of unity mask growing tensions as the two Les Républicains leaders vie for influence ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

Bruno Retailleau, France's Interior Minister, has seen his popularity rise steadily, narrowing the gap with Laurent Wauquiez, a prominent figure in Les Républicains (LR).
Tensions between the two leaders have escalated, with Wauquiez excluding Retailleau from a key meeting with President Macron, fueling speculation about internal power struggles.
Retailleau's brief tenure at the Interior Ministry has bolstered his image as a decisive leader, while Wauquiez faces challenges positioning himself within a shifting political landscape.
Both leaders publicly emphasize unity within LR, but behind the scenes, their divergent strategies and ambitions for the 2027 presidential election have created friction.
The future of the French right remains uncertain, as Emmanuel Macron's decisions on government composition and potential new elections could reshape political alliances.