PARIS — Xavier Bertrand, the president of the Hauts-de-France region and a leading figure in the Les Républicains party, announced on Thursday that he will run in the 2027 French presidential election. The former labor and health minister made the declaration during a speech at the Medef employers’ federation’s annual conference, answering “I will be” when asked directly about his intentions.
A Direct Challenge to Party Leadership
Bertrand’s announcement places him on a collision course with his own party, which has already invested Bruno Retailleau as its presidential nominee. The 60-year-old politician made clear he has no interest in participating in a potential primary of the right and center, dismissing the idea with characteristic bluntness.
“We’re not going to make the same stupid mistakes every time,” Bertrand said, referring to past internal party battles that have weakened conservative candidates in previous elections.
Running as an Independent Candidate
Bertrand’s strategy of positioning himself outside traditional party structures is not new. In early August, he told Le Figaro, “When I declare, it will be as an independent candidate, and I own that.” This approach signals his intent to appeal directly to voters rather than navigate the complex machinery of party politics.
The move echoes his previous presidential ambitions. Bertrand sought the Les Républicains nomination in 2021 but ultimately withdrew from the process, criticizing what he saw as a flawed selection system. His current stance suggests he has learned from that experience and is determined to chart his own course.
A Crowded Field on the Right
Bertrand enters an increasingly crowded field of center-right candidates. Bruno Retailleau, the party’s official nominee, has been working to consolidate support among traditional conservative voters. Meanwhile, other figures such as former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe have been mentioned as potential contenders, though Philippe has not formally declared.
The announcement at the Medef conference is strategically significant. By choosing a venue dominated by business leaders and economic decision-makers, Bertrand is signaling his intent to position himself as the pro-business, economically credible candidate in the race.
Political Background and Experience
Bertrand brings substantial government experience to his candidacy. He served as Minister of Health under President Jacques Chirac and later as Minister of Labor under President Nicolas Sarkozy. Since 2015, he has led the Hauts-de-France region, where he has built a reputation for pragmatic governance and economic development initiatives.
His regional leadership has been marked by efforts to attract investment, support manufacturing, and address the challenges of post-industrial communities. These themes are likely to feature prominently in his presidential platform.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the presidential election still more than a year away, Bertrand’s early declaration gives him time to build name recognition and fundraising infrastructure. However, it also exposes him to attacks from rivals within his own political family, who may view his independent candidacy as a threat to party unity.
The coming months will reveal whether Bertrand’s gamble pays off. By rejecting the primary process and running as an independent, he is betting that his regional record, government experience, and direct communication style will resonate with French voters hungry for alternatives to traditional party politics.
For now, the message from Bertrand is clear: he is in the race, he will run on his own terms, and he has no intention of stepping aside for the party’s chosen candidate.
