As France prepares for the 2027 presidential election, the political race is already taking shape. President Emmanuel Macron cannot run again after serving two consecutive terms, meaning France will elect a new president in April or May 2027.
In the centre, the battle appears to be between former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, leader of Horizons, and Gabriel Attal, a major figure of Renaissance. Philippe presents himself as an experienced and stable leader, while Attal represents a younger generation of Macron’s political family.
On the far right, the Rassemblement National remains one of the strongest forces. Marine Le Pen is still seen as a major contender, although her legal situation could affect her candidacy. If she cannot run, Jordan Bardella could become the party’s main candidate.
On the left, Jean-Luc Mélenchon and La France Insoumise remain influential, while the Socialist Party and the Ecologists are also trying to position themselves. Figures such as Olivier Faure and Marine Tondelier could play important roles, depending on whether the left manages to unite or goes into the election divided.
On the traditional right, Les Républicains may look to Bruno Retailleau as a possible candidate. Meanwhile, other figures such as François Bayrou or Dominique de Villepin could also influence the campaign, either as candidates or as voices shaping the debate.
For Africans and the diaspora in France, this election will be important. The next president’s policies could affect immigration, visas, students, workers, entrepreneurs, security, and France’s relationship with African countries.
The 2027 French presidential election is still months away, but the race has already begun. The biggest question is whether each political family will unite behind one strong candidate or enter the campaign divided. For the diaspora, the most important issue will be to understand what each candidate proposes, especially on immigration, economy, education, and France-Africa relations.
