Clara Egger, the Only French Candidate Who Truly Understands the Referendum

Clara Egger is not expected to become France’s next president. Yet she has entered the race because winning office is not the main objective of her campaign.

Egger, an assistant professor of international relations and a lobbyist, announced her candidacy in May among 29 declared contenders. Her platform has just one item: establishing a popular initiative right in France, known as the constituent RIC.

The campaign is supported by the Democratic Solution movement, which wants to bring more direct democracy into French political life. Egger’s role, as presented by the publication, is unusual among the candidates because she has a detailed understanding of referendums and the mechanics of direct democratic initiatives.

The proposal comes as French politicians frequently discuss referendums, while public confidence in the idea remains limited. Egger and her movement are therefore using the presidential campaign less as a route to the Élysée Palace than as a platform for changing how citizens can shape the country’s political system.