French presidential race: Candidates must choose between running or not

The French political landscape is currently populated by a curious array of potential presidential candidates who have yet to formally declare their intentions. This phenomenon has led to a proliferation of "candidates-but-not-really," "soon-but-not-yet," and "secretly-running" figures.

This strategic ambiguity allows individuals to garner media attention and test the political waters without committing to the full rigors and democratic responsibilities of a formal campaign. The article suggests that this approach exploits the media spotlight while sidestepping the democratic process.

Ultimately, the piece argues that aspiring candidates cannot expect to enjoy the advantages of a presidential run, such as increased public visibility and influence, without embracing the associated democratic obligations. The author posits that a choice must be made between genuine candidacy and the benefits it confers, and remaining on the sidelines.