French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has endorsed former prime minister Edouard Philippe for next year’s presidential election, ruling out a bid of his own and calling for unity within France’s conservative political camp.
Darmanin, a prominent figure in the country’s right leaning political bloc, said he decided to support Philippe in what he described as the interests of France.
“We are in an extremely difficult situation,” Darmanin told regional newspaper La Voix du Nord. He said the country’s social challenges made it important to avoid creating further political divisions and urged other conservatives to support Philippe.
Philippe served as President Emmanuel Macron’s first prime minister from 2017 to 2020. His tenure included the Yellow Vest protests and the early stages of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Darmanin’s endorsement gives Philippe additional support as potential candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The conservative field is expected to face a strong challenge from the far right, with recent opinion polls indicating that Marine Le Pen could remain a leading contender despite her conviction over the misuse of European Union funds.
Le Pen has appealed the conviction, while her political future remains closely watched ahead of the presidential contest.
Philippe’s campaign will now seek to consolidate support among voters on the centre right and other parts of France’s conservative political establishment as the election approaches.
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