Former socialist candidate Ségolène Royal published her book “But who will look after the children?” on October 29, developing the idea of a “generational debt” toward an anxious youth. On France 2, she stated she “could participate in a left-wing primary” for the 2027 presidential election. She advocates embracing the “maternal side of power” against “toxic virilism”.
With less than two years until the 2027 presidential election, Ségolène Royal, the socialist candidate in 2007, is repositioning herself on the left with the release of her book “But who will look after the children?” (Fayard), published on October 29. In it, she addresses the “generational debt” toward a youth “gripped by anxiety” and stresses the need “to fully embrace the maternal side of power,” in opposition to “toxic virilism.”
“The qualities attributed to maternal love—vigilance, patience, constancy, exigence—are precisely those that worried citizens expect from their leaders today,” she writes. On France 2, Ms. Royal stated: “To preside is to love,” adding that “the new generation has lost confidence in the future, is destabilized and staggering. And our responsibility is to give them confidence in the future again.”
The book’s title comes from a phrase by Laurent Fabius in 2007, during her candidacy. Ms. Royal explains that the book “turns the stigma around” by calling for “tenderness, love of the people, securing this people, protecting them against anxiety.” Asked about a political comeback, she replied: “It will depend on the context,” but she wants “these ideas to be carried” in the presidential race.
A former member of the Socialist Party (PS), which she left by returning her card, Ms. Royal supported Hélène Geoffroy against Olivier Faure at the last party congress. The details of a potential left-wing primary, discussed between the PS and Les Écologistes, are expected to be announced by year-end.