Over 76,000 Les Républicains (LR) members are called to vote this weekend on the method for selecting their 2027 presidential candidate. Three options are available: direct designation of Bruno Retailleau, a closed primary for members only, or an open primary including sympathizers. The vote comes amid internal party tensions.
Bruno Retailleau, president of Les Républicains and former interior minister, has kept a campaign promise by organizing this vote among 76,653 members holding a valid LR card. Per article 21 of the party statutes, militants must choose between directly designating Retailleau as candidate, a closed primary limited to members, or a broader open primary.
Critical voices are emerging within the right. Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the Droite républicaine deputies, calls the vote « a vote for nothing » and says he will cast a blank ballot, arguing the options lack meaning—especially a closed primary where only Retailleau is running so far.
Michel Barnier, former prime minister and LR national council president, tells Le Figaro he prefers an open primary to sympathizers, in line with the statutes. « There will come a time when voters ask us to agree », he warns, announcing a national council meeting before summer and a « moment of truth » in the fall.
Othman Nasrou, Republicans general secretary and Retailleau supporter, notes that « no other party than LR is capable of getting 76,653 people to vote in an internal process ». Despite departures like David Lisnard's and Édouard Philippe's popularity, Retailleau is betting on this « democratic requirement » toward 2027.
