Bayrou urges a unified contest to pick a single anti-RN/LFI presidential candidate

On LCI, former prime minister François Bayrou urged the creation of a large coalition of parties that oppose both the RN and LFI, suggesting a competitive process that would ultimately produce a single presidential contender. He emphasized the need for responsibility and warned that personal squabbles could jeopardize the effort. Bayrou’s call aligns with remarks from other right-leaning politicians such as David Lisnard, who supports an early selection round, and Bruno Retailleau, who has spoken about a possible primary with fellow party members.

Gabriel Attal also highlighted a primary as a viable solution for the centre-right bloc, while Édouard Philippe remains skeptical. Recent polling suggests a potential second-round matchup between the RN and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, underscoring the stakes of forming a united front.