US EditionFrench Conservatives Pick Hardliner to Lead Them Into 2027 Election
- Bruno Retailleau won the internal Les Républicains leadership election on May 11, 2025, with over 74 percent of the vote in Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
- Retailleau's election reflects efforts to revive the diminished LR party, created by Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac, which now holds fewer seats than the National Rally.
- He campaigns on cracking down on immigration and crime, positioning himself as a conservative voice challenging both rival Laurent Wauquiez and Marine Le Pen's rising National Rally.
- Retailleau won over 74 percent of the votes from approximately 120,000 party members, with an 80 percent turnout, and declared that the LR is now positioned to advance its agenda in the upcoming presidential election.
- His leadership boosts speculation he may run in the 2027 presidential race and signals a possible LR resurgence despite ongoing challenges within the party and political landscape.
31 Articles
31 Articles
French interior minister Bruno Retailleau wins contest to lead conservative party
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, known for his hardline stance on immigration, was elected leader of the conservative Les Républicains on Sunday. Though the party holds limited influence in parliament and performed poorly in the 2022 presidential race, analysts see potential for a stronger showing in 2027, with Retailleau’s supporters already eyeing a presidential bid.
Retailleau wins leadership of Les Républicains party, paving way for 2027 presidential bid
Bruno Retailleau has won a decisive victory to lead the centre-right Les Républicains, signalling a revival for the party and positions him as a key figure to watch ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Anti-immigration minister becomes leader of French conservatives
France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has called for radical action to cut immigration numbers, easily won an election to become leader of the right-wing Les Républicains party, according to results released on Sunday.
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