LR leader Retailleau urges government to move presidential runoff date after recent unrest

Bruno Retailleau, the Republican presidential candidate, reiterated his demand that the government shift the date of the presidential second round, which is currently set for the Sunday following Labour Day. He argued that the recent wave of violent incidents across several cities could undermine the integrity of the vote and disturb public order on election day. Retailleau reminded listeners of his July criticism of the original timetable, which he called neither neutral nor democratic, and said the same concerns are now reinforced by the recent unrest.

He appealed directly to President Emmanuel Macron and Interior Minister Sébastien Lecornu, suggesting that a change is still possible. Retailleau also highlighted that the constitution allows an alternative schedule in April, though that would interfere with school vacations, and he expressed puzzlement over the government's choice despite a majority of parties reportedly advising against it at a prior meeting.