Despite criticism from the Dati camp, former prime ministers Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal attended a support rally for their candidate Pierre-Yves Bournazel in the Paris municipal elections on Tuesday. The event at the Cirque d’Hiver marks a pause between these rivals eyeing the 2027 presidential race. Bournazel, seen as the 'third man' in polls, advocates for a 'quiet change' in the capital.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Cirque d’Hiver in Paris, Pierre-Yves Bournazel gathered over a thousand attendees for his campaign rally ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. A loyal supporter of Edouard Philippe and like him from the Republicans (LR), this forty-something welcomed the two former prime ministers despite attacks from Rachida Dati's camp. 'It’s a feat to unite Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal!', Bournazel had joked last autumn upon receiving their backing.
Hosted by former minister Marlene Schiappa, the evening highlighted unity within the central bloc. Edouard Philippe, leader of the Horizons party, stated that Bournazel 'will be a great mayor of Paris'. Gabriel Attal, head of Renaissance, also endorsed the approach. Bournazel told the two figures: 'With you, it’s the sacred union for Paris!'.
This event occurs amid rivalry between Philippe and Attal, both potential candidates to represent their camp in the 2027 presidential election. It provides a 'pause' before future clashes, as Bournazel positions himself as an advocate for a 'quiet change' in the capital, with polls placing him third in the municipal campaign.
