Attal will only be a candidate for president 'until autumn,' bets Sébastien Chenu

Gabriel Attal's bid for the presidency is already facing skepticism from political rivals, with Sébastien Chenu, vice-president of the National Rally (RN), predicting the prime minister's swift exit from the race. Chenu asserted that Attal's candidacy is temporary, stating he will "withdraw by autumn" to make way for Édouard Philippe, the president of Horizons. "They are two faces of the same coin," Chenu declared on France 2, suggesting a coordinated strategy between Attal and Philippe.

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He is a candidate until autumn, after which he will step aside for Édouard Philippe. You know, in May, it's Gabriel Attal. In September, October, it will be Édouard Philippe. (They are) two faces of the same coin.

Chenu did not hold back in his criticism of Attal's performance as prime minister. He labeled Attal "a very bad prime minister," holding him responsible for the "champion of the deficit increase." According to Chenu, Attal's record serves as a "ball and chain," indicating it will hinder his political ambitions. The RN official expressed a broader sentiment, stating, "The French are fed up with this bunch of Macronists whom they are eager to see leave."

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The French are fed up with this bunch of Macronists whom they are eager to see leave.

Attal officially announced his candidacy for the presidential election on Friday, setting the stage for an internal contest within the party of Emmanuel Macron. The competition is primarily between Attal and Philippe, both seen as potential heirs to Macron's political legacy. The outcome of this internal struggle could significantly influence the party's strategy, especially given the Rassemblement National's current lead in opinion polls for the 2027 election.

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a very bad prime minister