Xavier Bertrand confirms 2027 presidential bid, rejects primary process

Xavier Bertrand, the president of the Hauts-de-France region, has confirmed his ambition to run for the French presidency in 2027. While he indicated that the official declaration has not yet been made, stating "the moment has not come," his remarks at the Medef's annual business gathering signaled a firm intention.

Bertrand explicitly rejected the idea of participating in a primary election for the center-right Republicans party. "We don't have to make mistakes every time," he commented, referencing his unsuccessful bid in the 2021 primary, which was won by Valérie Pécresse. He emphasized that his focus is on "proposing a project to the French people" and that he is actively preparing for this endeavor.

During the event, Bertrand also took aim at remarks made by European Parliament member Manon Aubry, who described billionaires as "harmful" and suggested they should be "banned." Bertrand strongly condemned these statements, calling them "scandalous" and "political cynicism" that could incite hatred. He argued that such rhetoric unfairly targets French entrepreneurs, whose contributions are vital to the economy.

Bertrand directly challenged Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent figure in the left-wing La France Insoumise party, to denounce Aubry's comments. He questioned whether Mélenchon shared Aubry's stance, urging him to clarify his position on the issue. Bertrand's comments highlight the emerging political tensions and debates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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