Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is actively campaigning in the Alsace region to support his party, Horizons, during upcoming legislative elections. Horizons, part of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance, is distancing itself from Macron by campaigning under its own banner, omitting any mention of the president. The party faces a tough re-election race against the far-right National Rally.
Philippe, who once served as Macron's premier and remains one of France’s most popular politicians, has expressed criticism of Macron’s decision to call snap elections, stating it dissolved the governing majority and created political turbulence. Despite his previous loyalty, Philippe aims to forge a broader majority spanning both the center-left and center-right. Recent surveys even rank Philippe ahead of far-right leader Marine Le Pen as a preferred candidate for the presidency in 2027.
Macron’s coalition is under pressure after his party’s recent European election losses to the National Rally. The snap elections are viewed as a risky move, with Macron’s allies concerned about the rising influence of the far right. Philippe has asked Macron to stay out of the campaign, emphasizing that political power is shifting away from the president.
With France heading to the polls on June 30 and July 7, outcomes from these elections could redefine the country's political landscape. If Macron’s party fails to secure a significant share, it could hamper his legislative agenda and potentially lead to a new parliamentary majority that does not originate from him.