France's Darmanin Backs Édouard Philippe for 2027 Presidential Run

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has signaled his strategic alignment with former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, opting to support Philippe's potential bid for the presidency in 2027 rather than pursuing his own candidacy.

Darmanin plans to gather his close associates on August 30 in Tourcoing. This event is intended to solidify his commitment to backing Philippe, the mayor of Le Havre. The move is seen as a way for Darmanin to "weigh in" on Philippe's campaign, positioning himself as a key figure in the upcoming political landscape.

This decision follows a period of difficulty for Darmanin within the current government. He has reportedly been "shaken" by the fallout from the Lyhanna affair, which may have influenced his calculations regarding his own presidential ambitions. By aligning with Philippe, Darmanin seeks to maintain his influence and political relevance.