Edouard Philippe, the former Prime Minister and declared candidate for the 2027 presidential elections, made headlines during the Horizons party’s second interregional congress held over the weekend. Speaking before over 1,500 supporters on March 16, 2025, Philippe expressed his unwavering commitment to restoring France's comprehensive power and addressing the growing frustrations of its citizens.
"Je suis inénervable," Philippe declared, demonstrating not only his resilience but also his determination to engage with the pressing issues facing France today. He pointedly criticized the government for perceived ineffectiveness, particularly concerning citizens' access to healthcare and infrastructure development. His remarks come amid growing unrest among the public who feel sidelined by policies viewed as unresponsive to their needs.
Nathalie Loiseau, euro-deputy of Horizons, emphasized this was not merely a campaign meeting but rather part of the party’s strategic mobilization effort leading up to the elections set for 2027. "Ce n’est pas un meeting de campagne pour la présidentielle. La présidentielle, c’est en 2027," she clarified, attempting to reframe the event's purpose.
Philippe’s political strategy includes the ambitious proposal to use referendums addressing retirement reforms and fiscal policies if he wins. Citing historical precedents, he referred to General de Gaulle’s use of ordonnances during his presidency as model conduct for enacting substantial reforms swiftly. Philippe seems inspired by Alain Juppé’s earlier suggestions to pursue reforms at the onset of his mandate, aligning the political narrative with strong historical figures.
Franck Dhersin, senator from Horizons, articulated the importance of this being viewed as part of a planned expansion of Philippe’s political influence. "C’est une montée en puissance progressive, décidée depuis longtemps," Dhersin remarked, noting the necessity of grassroots mobilization for future local elections. He also highlighted the need for Philippe to instill confidence among party members, saying, "Il doit aussi rassurer les militants qui parfois pensent qu’on ne l’entend pas assez." This dual focus on grassroots engagement and high-level strategies exemplifies Philippe's careful orchestration of his political ascendance.
The current political climate, punctuated by prime minister François Bayrou's contentious policies on pension reforms, adds another obstacle. Bayrou has been increasingly criticized for his inability to rally support around effective pension solutions, leading to perceptions of his discussions as irrelevant. Philippe has openly criticized Bayrou’s conclave on pensions as being "hors sol," which translates to disconnected from reality, indicating the breadth of frustration not just within Philippe’s party but across the political spectrum.
Philippe's ambition extends beyond mere electoral success; it seeks to address the structural challenges facing the French government. He intends to revolutionize engagement with voters by invoking methods of direct democracy through referendums, aimed at reforms concerning pensions, justice, and healthcare.
Reflecting on his predecessors, Philippe noted, “C’est le début de son droit d’inventaire par rapport à Emmanuel Macron.” His strategy seems to be presenting stark differences from Macron’s earlier government, which was bogged down by rigidities and public protests over legislative changes. He appeared resolute not to make the same mistakes, advocating for assertive action at the very beginning of his potential presidency.
The congress also highlighted Philippe’s connection with established local structures; Horizons currently boasts over 600 mayors. This grassroots presence is pivotal, as it showcases the party's deep roots across France — and serves as a legion of support as they approach the upcoming elections.
While Philippe has developed his vision of France's future, he must grapple with strengthening the party’s ideological framework to differentiate itself from other political factions. Pierre-Yves Bournazel, secretary general of Horizons, mentioned the need to articulate clear and distinct messaging to attract new members and voters alike, thereby reinforcing the party's place within the growing spectrum of political voices.
Philippe’s plans for potential constitutional changes, such as dissolving the Assembly, present real tension points within the current structure of governance. Critics and supporters alike have recognized this as both risky and ambitious, with Dhersin commenting, “Évidemment, on voit ça d’un œil critique en tant que parlementaire.” If executed, such measures could alter the fabric of French governance and reshape executive powers significantly.
This strategic assembly of supporters and the outlined policies reflect Philippe's proactive approach to nurturing his ambitions for the presidency. His coalition-building and policy proposals may well seek to capitalize on the rising tide of discontent gripping the nation and restore faith among voters disillusioned by previous administrations.
With over two years until the presidential election, Edouard Philippe is crafting not just his political identity but also the contours of future governance in France, with the aim of leading by example and renewing citizens' trust. The stakes are high, and as the French drift through turbulent political waters, Philippe hopes to chart a path forward.
