Éric Ciotti, the former president of the Les Républicains (LR) party, confirmed on May 28, 2025, that he would not be a candidate in the 2027 presidential election.

During an interview with France Inter, he stated, "Non, c'est pas mon idée" when asked about his aspirations for the presidency.

This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions concerning the future of the French political landscape and potential candidates.

In light of potential disqualifications of other candidates, specifically Marine Le Pen due to a first-instance conviction, Ciotti refrained from making any assumptions regarding the election.

However, he expressed confidence in the capacities of younger politicians such as Jordan Bardella, who will be 31 in spring 2027, noting that this youth should not be considered a disadvantage.

Ciotti reiterated his call for the LR party, now led by Bruno Retailleau, to sever ties with the centrist Macronist faction.

He emphasized the necessity for an alliance between the right-wing parties, particularly with the Rassemblement National (RN), asserting, "I am convinced that the future will prove us right.

The right cannot win without an alliance with the National Rally.

Anything else is fiction; it deceives right voters."

In a separate political context, the Socialist Party (PS) is preparing for its own leadership selection, with a pivotal vote taking place over the same period.

The party will soon determine its new secretary-general from among Olivier Faure, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, and Boris Vallaud, each of whom is vying for control as the party positions itself ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The leadership election process will involve approximately 40,000 party members voting between 5 PM and 10 PM to choose a guiding document for the party’s future direction.

Previous contests have raised concerns about electoral integrity, with allegations of fraud emerging from the last congress in 2023, leading to a fractured public image.

Olivier Faure, who has led the party since 2018, advocates for a leftist alliance free from Mélenchon’s influence, intending to unify various leftist factions for the next presidential election.

In contrast, Mayer-Rossignol has criticized Faure's leadership and aims to create a more cohesive socialist party.

Vallaud presents himself as a reconciliatory figure within the party, challenging the existing leadership due to perceived divisions.

Concerns regarding electoral fraud have resurfaced as members prepare to vote in a traditional manner rather than using electronic systems – this practice has been criticized for its susceptibility to misuse given the outdated mechanisms in some polling stations.

Despite reassurances from party leaders regarding enhanced transparency and security measures, mistrust among factions remains palpable.

Yannick Neuder, France's Minister of Health, has also expressed uncertainty about the recent legislation approving euthanasia and assisted suicide.

He conveyed his reservations on the implications of the law and the necessity for robust safeguards to ensure palliative care remains accessible and is not overshadowed by the new measures.

In a separate development, the LR party has unanimously decided to oppose the introduction of proportional representation in legislative elections, emphasizing that it would further complicate governance.

This assertion is underscored by the party's historical alignment with Gaullist principles aimed at promoting stability in governance.

Bruno Retailleau, as party leader, is expected to address these issues in upcoming discussions with Prime Minister François Bayrou, who advocates for reforming the electoral system.