French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann Announces 2027 Presidential Bid, Calls for Left's Refounding

Raphaël Glucksmann, a 46-year-old Social Democrat Member of the European Parliament, has announced his bid for the French presidency in 2027. Glucksmann intends to compete in the Socialist Party's primaries, aiming to unite the progressive movement. He declared his ambition on TF1, stating, "I want to lead this battle with my socialist friends. I am convinced we will win, but to do so, we must refound the left."

Glucksmann, who founded the associated political party Place Publique, is the second prominent figure from the progressive spectrum to announce a candidacy, following Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Both represent a significant divide within the French left as they confront the rising influence of Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally.

Glucksmann has explicitly ruled out an alliance with Mélenchon but extended an offer to The Ecologists and the Communists. His strong performance in the 2024 European elections, securing nearly 14% of the vote, was a significant boost for moderate progressives. However, current polls for the April-May 2027 presidential election suggest Glucksmann might garner between 10% and 11% in the first round, trailing Mélenchon, who is projected to receive 15% to 16%.

A pro-European and staunch supporter of Ukraine, Glucksmann, son of the philosopher André Glucksmann, embodies a moderate left-wing stance, contrasting sharply with Mélenchon's more Eurosceptic and controversial positions. Glucksmann has gained recognition in Europe for his advocacy against the Uyghur genocide in China and for highlighting foreign interference in Western democracies. His background includes studies at Sciences Po Paris and involvement in democratic movements in Georgia and Ukraine, where he advised former President Mikheil Saakashvili.

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I want to lead this battle with my socialist friends. I am convinced we will win, but to do so, we must refound the left.