One year before the presidential election, former Economy Minister Éric Lombard, a close ally of François Bayrou, has been engaging actively in social-democratic left-wing circles. He attended a gathering in Liffré on Saturday alongside François Hollande and Raphaël Glucksmann, and debated with Boris Vallaud. A month earlier, he spoke at the anniversary of the Libre Journal media outlet.
Éric Lombard, former Minister of Economy and Finance under François Bayrou, has been making frequent appearances at gatherings of the “governing left” ahead of the 2027 presidential election. A close associate of the MoDem leader, he aims to establish a lasting presence in the French political landscape.
On Saturday, he spent the day in Liffré, Ille-et-Vilaine, alongside former President François Hollande and Raphaël Glucksmann. In the morning, he debated labor issues with Boris Vallaud, president of the Socialist group in the National Assembly, whom he described as a “friend”.
A month ago, Lombard drew attention at the anniversary of Libre Journal, a media outlet founded by Laurent Joffrin, former director of Libération and Le Nouvel Obs. Addressing an audience that included François Hollande, Bernard Cazeneuve, and Jérôme Guedj, he spoke in defense of social-democratic positions.
He also serves as a regular interlocutor for numerous aspiring candidates, solidifying his behind-the-scenes role within this political current.
