French presidential candidate Gabriel Attal highlighted policy differences with rival contender Edouard Philippe during a visit to the Châlons-en-Champagne fair in Marne on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters, the former education minister addressed growing calls for a primary of the right and centre ahead of the 2027 presidential election, dismissing much of the speculation as political commentary while insisting he has never ruled out participating in a primary.
Attal stated that while he maintains very good relations with Philippe, the two candidates hold genuine differences on core substantive issues, particularly regarding pension reform. He noted that although Philippe has been a declared candidate for three years compared to his own three months, opinion polls consistently place them within the margin of error, demonstrating strong momentum for his campaign.
Both figures represent key leadership lines in modern French politics. Attal previously served as prime minister under President Emmanuel Macron, having also held the post of national education minister. Philippe served as prime minister from 2017 to 2020 and currently holds office as mayor of Le Havre while leading his centre-right Horizons party.
Debate over centre-right primary
The annual fair at Châlons-en-Champagne in the Marne department has for decades served as an essential stopover for French political leaders preparing for presidential campaigns. Philippe is scheduled to attend the event on Monday, one day after Attal's visit. Their consecutive appearances occur as calls grow for a primary of the right and centre, a proposal championed by figures such as Cannes Mayor David Lisnard to consolidate conservative candidates.
Asked repeatedly about the risks of multiple candidacies on the right, Attal criticized traditional party maneuvering. He remarked that voters do not want political scheming or an attempt to resurrect the former Union for a Popular Movement with two-decade-old ideas and figures. The Union for a Popular Movement, or UMP, served as France's main centre-right party throughout the 2000s until it was rebranded as Les Républicains in 2015.
Attal nevertheless maintained that he remains open to any process, including a primary vote. He added that any politician who fears participating in a primary should not be standing in a presidential election.
