Presidential 2027: Édouard Philippe still preferred despite tarnished image

Édouard Philippe, the mayor of Le Havre and former prime minister, continues to be the favored choice for the 2027 French presidential election among center-right voters, according to a new poll. However, his overall public image has seen a notable decline.

The Odoxa-Backbone poll for Le Figaro indicates that only 43% of French citizens hold a favorable view of Philippe, an 11-point decrease since 2024. This dip in popularity comes as Philippe prepares for his first major meeting in Paris this Sunday, a significant event given the recent polling results.

Despite the general decrease in favorability, Philippe retains substantial support among centrist (90%) and right-wing (59%) sympathizers. He has lost eight points among Les Républicains (LR) supporters but gained four points among Renaissance supporters. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is also reportedly making political maneuvers.

The upcoming meeting is seen as crucial for Philippe to bolster his standing and address the concerns reflected in the latest poll. His continued strength within his core political base suggests he remains a significant figure in the French political landscape, even as his broader appeal has diminished.