Sixteen months before the presidential election, Edouard Philippe, Horizons' declared candidate, aims to position himself as the natural choice for the right and center, ruling out primaries. He widens his rift with Emmanuel Macron by urging an early vote. This stance underscores a break solidified since his 2020 exit from Matignon.
On October 7, following the collapse of the first Lecornu government, Edouard Philippe appeared on RTL at 8:15 a.m., despite his dislike for morning slots. Journalists observed his nervousness: he stumbled over words, fidgeted with the microphone, before suggesting Emmanuel Macron would « honor himself » by organizing « an early presidential election, meaning he leaves immediately after the budget is adopted. » He repeated himself several times, seeming confused, and clarified he does « not call for his resignation, » but urges the president to speed up his exit.
This statement highlights a public break with Macron, confirmed since Philippe's forced departure from Matignon on July 3, 2020. Declared candidate for a year, he faces poll erosion for months and aims to distance himself from a weakened president rejected by the French. Days later on France 2, he stated: « I owe him nothing, he came to get me, » emphasizing his autonomy.
Despite growing doubts about his bid, Philippe continues to position himself as the natural option for the right and center, rejecting primaries. This approach seeks to solidify his support in a divided political scene.