Rosalind Evans
Gérald Darmanin, France’s interior minister, has voiced concerns that Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, may clinch the presidency in the 2027 elections. While hinting at his own ambitions for a centre-right candidacy, Darmanin expressed this during an interview with La Voix du Nord.
With challenges like urban upheavals following the police-involved shooting of a teenager and escalating drug-related violence, Darmanin, responsible for overseeing the police, has faced his fair share of trials lately.
A planned political assembly in Tourcoing, Darmanin’s hometown, is seen by many as his way to strategize against Le Pen and reconnect with the working and middle class. This move is viewed by some as an early indication of his presidential ambitions.
Le Pen, who lost to current President Emmanuel Macron in the previous election, has seen her party rise to become the largest opposition force in the parliament. She is likely to try for the presidency for the fourth time in 2027, a year when Macron is constitutionally ineligible for a third term.
Darmanin emphasized the importance of retaining the support of the working and middle classes, pointing out that professional classes alone wouldn’t suffice for an election win. He highlighted key concerns like wage levels, living costs, and family support over migration issues.
The minister’s commentary hinted at a perceived weakness in Macron’s base, often thought to be wealthier and more urban. Darmanin shared that many desire stronger authority in educational institutions and on roads, stricter legal systems, and a just economic return on their efforts.
Darmanin’s background roots him in the working class; his father owned a bar while his mother, of Algerian descent, was employed as a caretaker and cleaner. Philippe Ballard, a representative from Le Pen’s party, countered that Darmanin is still part of Macron’s elite circle. On the other hand, Olivier Faure from the Socialist party accused Darmanin of favouring the affluent over the common populace.
While Darmanin’s 2027 election plans remain undisclosed, his close ties with Macron are evident. Having left the right-leaning Les Républicains and joining Macron in 2017, he’s known for backing Macron’s tax reforms. Controversies, such as protests against his 2020 appointment as interior minister following a previously dismissed rape accusation, have also marked his tenure. Known for his stringent security policies, Darmanin admitted a change of heart regarding his 2013 stance against same-sex marriage.
As France moves closer to its 2027 presidential election, the political landscape appears to be shifting. Figures like Darmanin are making their presence felt, highlighting societal issues and resonating with the working class, while seasoned politicians like Le Pen continue to stake their claim. With the nation at a crossroads, the elections promise to be a defining moment for the future of the French Republic.
