France’s 2027 presidential race: The backup candidates still waiting for their moment

More than 20 candidates have already formally entered France’s 2027 presidential race, but several familiar figures are still waiting in the wings. Xavier Bertrand, Bernard Cazeneuve and others are weighing whether to take the plunge or preserve their influence for what comes next.

With eight months to go before the spring election, the field remains unsettled. Some potential candidates still see a narrow opening to present themselves as a fallback option by the end of the year, especially while voting intentions have not clearly consolidated around the declared contenders.

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This reflects very great political instability: in the other blocs, outside La France Insoumise and the National Rally, there are figures who struggle to clearly impose their leadership.

Political scientist Arnaud Benedetti described the situation as evidence of “very great political instability.” Outside La France Insoumise and the National Rally, he said, political blocs have recognizable figures but struggle to establish clear leadership. In that environment, possible replacement candidates are effectively betting on the failure of those already in the race.

Xavier Bertrand is one example. The president of the Les Républicains region of Hauts-de-France reignited speculation after another ambiguous departure last week. He had first said at the Medef conference that he “would be a candidate,” leaving his intentions under renewed scrutiny.

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Would be a candidate.