MoDem launches summer rally in Vaucluse as Macron warns of Russian hybrid threats and fuel tax pressures
The centrist MoDem held a two-day kickoff in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, featuring François Bayrou and Bernard Cazeneuve, while President Macron linked fuel-price woes to the war and Russian hybrid attacks.
The Mouvement démocrate staged its summer “university” in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Vaucluse, with François Bayrou presiding over a two-day forum that included former prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve, minister delegate for the armed forces Alice Rufo and several party officials. Bayrou, who advocates a primary spanning social-democratic to republican right forces, used the event to position MoDem ahead of the uncertain 2027 presidential contest.
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron, after a three-hour meeting at the Élysée with party leaders, blamed the surge in fuel and gas prices on the wars in Ukraine and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, and pledged a government plan to shield critical infrastructure from growing Russian hybrid attacks. He also said France would convene a G7 energy summit and seek EU action on gas storage. Marine Le Pen, campaigning for the far-right, called for a reduction in fuel taxes, while other candidates such as Jordan Bardella and Eric Ciotti criticised the president for not addressing purchasing power directly.
Why it matters
The event shows how centrist parties are repositioning for the 2027 election and highlights France's response to energy and security challenges.
How this story developed
- Aug 27 Marine Le Pen assures French entrepreneurs her policies pose no threat ahead of debate
- Sep 3 A Medef‑organized debate with seven presidential hopefuls was held at Roland‑Garros.
- Sep 6 Marine Le Pen addressed business leaders at the MEDEF gathering.
In this story
Related stories
57 in this thread