On January 29, 2025, David Lisnard, the Mayor of Cannes and the current President of the Association of French Mayors, officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election. Speaking on France Inter, he expressed his enthusiastic motivation, stating, "I am very motivated to provide hope to liberate society, lead the state, restore order, and unite the country." Lisnard's declarations come at a time when he perceives a lack of clear leadership within the political right, emphasizing the necessity for strong alternatives.
During his annual New Year's wishes event on January 28, Lisnard made his viewpoints clear: "Cannes is my happiness, France is my duty." He advocates for open primaries among right-wing candidates, criticizing the current political climate where no natural and obvious leader has emerged. "I am for democracy; I would like there to be strong alternatives," he added, indicating his belief in the potential for substantial and principled political competition.
The atmosphere during Lisnard's campaign kickoff was electric. Held at Circus Bormann in Paris, nearly 1,000 supporters gathered, donning t-shirts emblazoned with the words "Liberté, ordre, dignité" as music played through the venue. The scene showcased Lisnard’s party, Nouvelle Énergie, which he founded and which has seen considerable growth, boasting around 11,000 members to date.
Lisnard underlined the importance of unification and collaborative effort within the political right: "We must be ready as soon as possible with one clear goal: to reclaim power to revive France." This rallying cry for unity reflects not just his ambition, but his vision for the direction he believes France needs.
Lisnard's remarks also highlighted his commitment to reforming the French governmental system, dismissing the notion of creating what he called “a budget of apnea, of urgency.” He asserted, "If I were a member of Parliament, I would not vote for a budget increasing taxes and diminishing competitiveness." His proposals signal not just his political strategy but also his broader ideological framework centered around enhancing public performance and reducing bureaucratic overreach.
His supporters are echoing his call for change. Romain Marsilly, the director general of Nouvelle Énergie, attested to the party’s growth, indicating they have made significant strides by creating networks across 40 countries. These developments position Lisnard's movement as increasingly serious contenders leading up to the next election.
Lisnard's vision reaches beyond just the immediate political contest; he emphasized the need for alternative political movements to offer their vision of governance and societal direction. "New Energy is about open primaries," he reiterated, reflecting his commitment to transparency and participation in the political process.
The audience, comprised of young people, local authorities, and former ministers, remained captivated during Lisnard's nearly hour-and-a-half-long presentation. The interaction between him and his supporters was symbiotic, with applause punctuating his key points. These lively exchanges signify Lisnard’s rising stature and promise within the political framework of the right wing.
David Lisnard’s emergence as a presidential candidate not only highlights his aspirations but marks the contours of the political right as it redefines itself post-Nicolas Sarkozy. Legitimizing his call for primaries and party reorganization, Lisnard embodies the collective hopes of those disenfranchised by the current political environment. His initiative is more than just about one candidacy; it aims to create a strong, collaborative front on the right as France moves closer to its next presidential election. The path he lays down, marked by the participation of varied voices within his party, might just cultivate the revival he envisions for French politics.
Lisnard now stands at the forefront of potential political change, advocating for leadership rooted not only in extensive experience but also backed by active grassroots support. Whether this 'New Energy' can truly galvanize and unify the right is yet to be seen, as upcoming months will undoubtedly test his leadership and vision before the pivotal election.
With the presidential race heating up, Lisnard's supporters hope he will rise as the formidable candidate they believe he can be, capturing the attentively watchful spirit of the French populace seeking change.