Bruno Retailleau has officially launched his candidacy for the presidency of the Les Républicains (LR) party, setting the stage for what could be intense infighting within the party as he challenges Laurent Wauquiez for leadership. Announcing his bid on February 12 through a letter to party members, Retailleau expressed his desire "to do for my party what I have done at the head of my ministry: speak truthfully and act swiftly." This declaration, seen by many as both bold and provocative, has ignited apprehension among Wauquiez's supporters, who feel blindsided by Retailleau’s move.
The political subtext is thick: the LR party is gearing up for the presidential election of 2027, and the upcoming party leader is often viewed as the de facto candidate for the presidency. Retailleau's campaign is propelled by his rising popularity, particularly since assuming the role of Minister of the Interior, where his approval ratings surged from 27% to 45%, according to IFOP surveys, positioning him favorably compared to Wauquiez, whose ratings have remained consistent between 37% and 39%.
Despite having previously stepped back from running for the presidential primary in 2022, citing concerns about his viability against Ilana Macron, Retailleau’s intentions have shifted amid changing dynamics within LR. Éric Ciotti's departure from the party to ally with the National Rally and Wauquiez's ascent as the president of the National Assembly are pivotal events preceding this announcement.
Responses from Wauquiez's camp indicate feelings of betrayal. His advisers assert, "Bruno Retailleau has taken the heavy responsibility of opening a war of chiefs," referring to the tacit agreement they believed existed between the two leaders about who would control which territory: Retailleau at the helm of government, and Wauquiez leading the party's internal restructuring.
Retailleau’s letter also reflects a desire to avert chaos, as he assured members, “I do not want new rifts or new wounds within our party.” Yet, the atmosphere within LR is undoubtedly charged, with members seeking to avoid remnants of past factional strife.
The rivalry between the two men is more than personal; it is emblematic of broader ideological currents within LR. Retailleau's roots are steeped in traditional conservatism, having worked alongside figures such as Philippe de Villiers. Conversely, Wauquiez’s political identity remains less ideologically anchored, allowing him potential flexibility as the party faces mounting pressures from more extreme right factions.
Adding to the tension, as Retailleau was making his announcement, Wauquiez was preparing to reveal his own candidacy during a public meeting scheduled for February 13. Supporters of both men express concern about the internal party chaos this contest could provoke. Some predict this may either devolve quickly toward destructive infighting or take on characteristics of “cold war” tactics, with both candidates discreetly vying for member support.
Retailleau's prospects seem strong, bolstered by endorsements from notable right-wing figures, including Xavier Bertrand, who previously served as the president of Hauts-de-France and indicated his support even before Retailleau's candidacy was official. The formal announcement of the LR congress is set for February 17, where the timetable and rules for selecting the new party president will be determined, undoubtedly underscoring the frictious dynamics at play.
While the upcoming months promise to be filled with strategic positioning and campaigning, questions loom about how the party can reconcile its factions and prepare for an effective contender for the presidency in 2027. At 64, Bruno Retailleau is positioning himself as the revitalizing force the party needs, stating, “The right is being listened to again, and that's why, tomorrow, it can win.” His strategy seems clear: energize the base and re-establish credibility through assertive leadership. Whether he can maintain this momentum amid what will likely be heated competition with Wauquiez, remains to be seen.
The stakes are high, as these two influential figures prepare for the political battle, both aiming to define the future of the LR party and its potential for reclaiming influence on the national stage.