French minister Retailleau breaks with Macron as 2027 succession race heats up
Less than two years before the end of Macron's second term, after which he can't immediately seek reelection, an increasingly crowded group of potential candidates to succeed the French leader is starting to emerge.
Retailleau, a veteran conservative, has yet to declare his candidacy for 2027 but his comments to the right-wing Valeurs Actuelles magazine underline how likely presidential contenders are now trying to distance themselves from Macron's bruised political brand and carve out their own electoral niche.
They also point to the fissures in France's weak minority government, a coalition of centrists and conservatives, that will likely widen as the presidential succession heats up.
"Macronism will end with Emmanuel Macron, quite simply because it's neither a political movement nor an ideology: it essentially relies on one man," he was quoted as saying.
A spokesperson for Macron declined to comment.
Retailleau beat rivals in a leadership contest for the right-wing Republicans party in May, teeing him up for a potential presidential run. As the face of the government's push on rising drug crime and immigration, he has become one of France's most popular politicians.
Retailleau has a 36% approval rating, according to a July Ipsos poll, compared with 24% for Macron.
Retailleau's comments sparked a barrage of criticism from lawmakers in Macron's party.
"Macronism is an ideology and a political party," Macron's former prime minister Elisabeth Borne, who hails from the left and is now education minister, posted on X. "Acting together requires mutual respect."
Macron swept to power in 2017 at the head of his own movement which he said was "neither to the left nor the right". He implemented pro-European, pro-business policies once in power, but was seen as too pro-wealth for the left and not tough enough on crime and immigration for the right.
As his popularity has fallen, his domination of the centre has pushed more French people to the political fringes. Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party is now the largest single parliamentary party, and she and her right-hand man Jordan Bardella lead many polls for the 2027 election.
Retailleau said there would be a return to a clear left-right divide once Macron's term ends.
A source close to Retailleau, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the minister's comments were to be expected in a coalition government and that he had no plans to resign. He was set to meet Macron on Thursday for a previously scheduled chat.
(Additional reporting by Elizabeth Pineau; writing by Michel RoseEditing by Gabriel Stargardter and Sharon Singleton)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
41 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Telang Usan rep urges rural students to embrace higher education opportunities
Yap (third left) officiates the Tegas Project of Dream Realised (Pro-DR) roadshow 2025 on behalf of Dennis at SMK Long Lama, Baram yesterday as others look on. MIRI (July 29): Rural students are urged to seize the opportunity to further their studies to higher levels, taking advantage of various financial assistance schemes and other educational initiatives provided by the Sarawak government for a brighter future, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau. He said the Sarawak government has, over the years, taken proactive measures in the education sector to ensure that all Sarawakians, including those in rural areas, have access to quality education and the chance to improve their standard of living. 'Among the steps taken are through the state government's scholarship and financial aid programmes, which include various forms of scholarships, education loans and financial assistance such as the Yayasan Sarawak Scholarships, Yayasan Sarawak Study Loans and the Sarawak Tertiary Education Loan (STEL),' he said in his speech at the for Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) Project of Dream Realised (Pro-DR) roadshow 2025 held at SMK Long Lama, Baram yesterday. His speech was delivered by his representative, Penghulu Desmond Yap. He further noted that the establishment of the Yayasan Sarawak International Schools is also a commendable initiative as it provides opportunities for high-achieving students from low- and middle-income families to access international-standard education either for free or at subsidised rates. Dennis, who also sits on the board of trustees for Tegas said the state government is equally attentive to the welfare of students in rural areas by working closely with the federal government to upgrade dilapidated schools and enhance educational facilities in the interior. 'These measures clearly reflect the Sarawak government's strong commitment to empowering its people through education, with the aim of nurturing competitive human capital prepared to face future challenges,' he added. On the outreach roadshow, Dennis said that the roadshow programme is a travelling education and career carnival organised by the Sarawak government through Tegas, with the support of the state Education Department. 'This edition of the roadshow features the participation of more than 30 institutions of higher learning and training, government agencies, and organisations offering financial assistance,' he said. He added that the main objective of the roadshow is to help rural students pursue their dream careers through education, regardless of their academic qualifications. 'Aside from the education fair and information booths on financial assistance, there are also side activities such as talks, exhibitions and interactive sessions aimed at raising awareness on digital innovation opportunities in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), within the context of the digital economy,' he said. He called on all students, especially those in rural areas, to make full use of the opportunity to visit the booths and gather information about study opportunities, available courses and financial aid options. At the same function, Dennis also announced an allocation of RM15,000 for the establishment of a Tegas Think & Thinker (T&T) mini lab at SMK Long Lama. 'This is part of our efforts to improve the quality of education for students in the area, ensuring they are not left behind in terms of technological knowledge and that they have the opportunity to explore their talents in the field of innovation,' he said. Among those present were Telang Usan district officer Ezra Uda, SMK Long Lama's senior assistant (administration) Ting Shiau Kiong, Tegas Community Innovative Learning senior manager Fredrick Kevin Buseli and SMK Long Lama Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Geoffrey Lejau Lucas.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Thai army accuses Cambodia of breaking truce
A view shows an empty street of Samraong, the capital of Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia, July 28, 2025. An AFP journalist said the sound of blasts stopped in the 30 minutes leading up to midnight, with the lull continuing until dawn. -Reuters SURIN, Thailand: Thailand's army accused Cambodia Tuesday (July 29) of violating an hours-old truce, saying clashes continued despite a deal meant to end the bloody fighting that has engulfed their jungle-clad frontier. Following peace talks in Malaysia on Monday, both sides agreed an unconditional ceasefire would start at midnight to end fighting over a smattering of ancient temples in disputed zones along their 800-kilometre border. ALSO READ: Thai, Cambodian PMs welcome Malaysian-brokered peace "At the time the agreement took effect, the Thai side detected that Cambodian forces had launched armed attacks into several areas within Thai territory," said Thai army spokesman Winthai Suwaree. "This constitutes a deliberate violation of the agreement and a clear attempt to undermine mutual trust, he added in a statement. "Thailand is compelled to respond appropriately, exercising its legitimate right to self-defence." In Cambodia's Samraong city - 20 kilometres from the border - an AFP journalist said the sound of blasts stopped in the 30 minutes leading up to midnight, with the lull continuing until dawn. "The frontline has eased since the ceasefire at 12 midnight," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a Tuesday morning message on Facebook. Jets, rockets and artillery have killed at least 38 people since last Thursday and displaced nearly 300,000 more - prompting intervention from US President Donald Trump over the weekend. The flare-up was the deadliest since violence raged sporadically from 2008-2011 over the territory, claimed by both because of a vague demarcation made by Cambodia's French colonial administrators in 1907. The peace deal was set to see military commanders from both sides meet at 07:00 am (0000 GMT), before a cross-border committee is convened in Cambodia to further salve tensions on August 4. "When I heard the news I was so happy because I miss my home and my belongings that I left behind," Phean Neth told AFP on Monday evening at a sprawling camp for Cambodian evacuees on a temple site away from the fighting. "I am so happy that I can't describe it," said the 45-year-old. A joint statement from both countries - as well as Malaysia which hosted the peace talks - said the ceasefire was "a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security". A spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement Monday evening that "he urges both countries to respect the agreement fully and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace". Both sides are courting Trump for trade deals to avert his threat of eye-watering tariffs, and the US State Department said its officials had been "on the ground" to shepherd peace talks. The joint statement said China also had "active participation" in the talks, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister and Asean bloc chair Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his country's administrative capital Putrajaya. Hun Manet thanked Trump for his "decisive" support, while his counterpart, Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, said it should be "carried out in good faith by both sides". "If they say they'll stop firing, they must stop completely," said 43-year-old Thai evacuee Prapakarn Samruamjit in the city of Surin. Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn marked his 73rd birthday on Monday, but a notice in the country's Royal Gazette said public celebrations scheduled for Bangkok's Grand Palace had been cancelled amid the strife. Each side had already agreed to a truce in principle, while accusing the other of undermining peace efforts and trading allegations about the use of cluster bombs and targeting of hospitals. Thailand says 11 of its soldiers and 14 civilians have been killed, while Cambodia has confirmed only eight civilian and five military deaths. More than 138,000 people have fled Thailand's border regions, while around 140,000 have been driven from their homes in Cambodia. - AFP
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Colombia ex-president Uribe convicted of bribery, abuse of process
BOGOTA: A Colombian judge on Monday convicted former President Alvaro Uribe of abuse of process and bribery of a public official, marking the first time an ex-president in the country has been found guilty at trial. Judge Sandra Liliana Heredia delivered the verdict after a lengthy legal battle spanning 13 years. Uribe, 73, was acquitted of a separate bribery charge. The ruling remains subject to appeal. The case has been highly politicized, with Uribe and his supporters denouncing it as persecution while critics view it as long-overdue accountability for his alleged ties to right-wing paramilitaries. 'Justice does not kneel before power,' Heredia told the court before reading her 1,000-page decision over nine hours. 'It is at the service of the Colombian people.' She added, 'We want to say to Colombia that justice has arrived.' Each charge carries a potential prison sentence of 6 to 12 years. Heredia will determine Uribe's sentence in a later hearing. The former president has consistently denied wrongdoing, framing the case as a political attack. - Reuters
