On March 14, 2025, Laurent Wauquiez, the president of the right-wing party known as La Droite républicaine, visited Albi as part of his campaign tour across France. The visit aimed to engage with party members and gather support from potential future members, reflecting similar tour strategies from former President Jacques Chirac, aimed at fostering camaraderie and listening to constituents. Wauquiez emphasized, "I think there is a need for conviviality, taking the time to listen. We need to go to all territories. You cannot claim to represent members if you only go to...
During this visit, Wauquiez also criticized the halt on the A69 project, showing his commitment to regional development issues. His approach is seen as part of his broader strategy to strengthen ties with the electorate and reiterate his party's mission to address local needs directly.
Simultaneously, Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of the Interior and competitor for the presidency of Les Républicains, was conducting his own campaign activities, which included public meetings in the Lyon metropolitan area. On the same day, Retailleau held discussions aimed at rallying support for his candidacy, which will culminate with internal elections scheduled for May 17 and 18.
A significant development for Wauquiez came from the Lyon area, where he received overwhelming backing from local elected officials. Many prominent local figures—including mayors, regional councillors, and members of parliament—voiced their support for his candidacy over Retailleau. Notable endorsements came from figures such as Jérémie Bréaud, the president of Les Républicains of the Rhône, and deputies like Alexandre Portier. The signatories stated, "We know what Laurent Wauquiez has done for us, for our territories. Politics is also about loyalty and conviction; never guided by current events or polls. Laurent Wauquiez can count on us!"
This support highlights the deep-rooted trust and commitment Wauquiez has established among local politicians, particularly as he looks toward scaling up his influence within the party. Wauquiez's efforts seem to resonate well, especially with party members who value concrete actions and historical contributions over mere polling results.
Looking forward, Wauquiez is setting his ambitions higher, having already expressed his desire to take on greater responsibilities to be able to "rebuild the country." During his interview with La Dépêche du Midi, he reiterated his commitment to this cause, positioning himself as the candidate focused not just on party leadership but on larger national objectives.
The internal election within Les Républicains promises to be intensely competitive, with both Wauquiez and Retailleau offering distinct visions for the party's future. Voters among the party members will need to weigh their options carefully as they choose between two seasoned leaders with different approaches to leadership and governance.
This juxtaposition not only encapsulates the current dynamics within Les Républicains but also signifies the broader challenges facing right-wing parties in France as they navigate their identity and relevance among voters. With the notion of loyalty and fidelity at the center of Wauquiez's support, the results of the upcoming election may set the tone for how the party will approach the ensuing national discourse.
With the campaign well underway and both candidates mobilizing their supporters, the coming weeks will be pivotal for Wauquiez as he strives to solidify his platform and gain the electoral edge needed to lead Les Républicains effectively. This effort could reshape the political scenery leading up to the presidential elections and reflect shifting allegiances within the party.