Former premier Attal enters race for French president, sparking battle for centrist vote
Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has officially entered the presidential race, joining a competitive field of centrist candidates. His campaign faces challenges from both far-right and far-left opponents, with polls indicating a potential fragmentation of the centrist vote. Attal aims to position himself as a strong contender against these extremes while navigating internal competition with fellow centrist candidate Edouard Philippe.
- ▪Gabriel Attal has launched his bid for the French presidency, succeeding Emmanuel Macron.
- ▪Polls show Attal with 14% support, while Edouard Philippe is at 25%, indicating a competitive centrist race.
- ▪Attal's campaign emphasizes a personal approach, contrasting with Philippe's more reserved style.
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Former premier Attal enters race for French president, sparking battle for centrist voteSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 22, 2026, 08:40 PMUpdated May 22, 2026, 08:40 PMPARIS, May 21 - Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on Friday formally launched his bid for the presidency, joining a crowded cast of centrist candidates who risk being overtaken by far-right and far-left rivals in next year's election.The race to succeed President Emmanuel Macron — who cannot run again — is shaping up as a fragmented contest, with polls placing the far-right National Rally (RN) in a leading position, and a crowded field raising the risk of a run-off dominated by political extremes.Attal, 37, has been one of the most recognizable figures of Macron's two terms,…
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