"I have decided to run for president," former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, 37, announced on 22/5. "I can no longer tolerate the current state of French politics. The country is in a clear and accelerating decline."
He pledged to uplift France, aiming for the nation to "once again become a leading European power" and restore public faith.
"After numerous trips across France and meeting its people, I am increasingly convinced, and it is a strong conviction, that our most beautiful chapters are still ahead," Attal stated.
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Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal speaks in Paris on 27/1. *Photo: AFP* |
The French president serves as head of state, elected every five years, with responsibilities for foreign policy and defense. The next election is anticipated in 4/2027. Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron, having reached his two-term limit, is ineligible to seek re-election.
Attal currently leads the centrist Renaissance party, founded by President Macron. Within this political faction, he will contend with former prime minister Edouard Philippe, 55, who is perceived to have a stronger likelihood of defeating far-right rivals.
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French President Emmanuel Macron (right) and Gabriel Attal in Paris in 7/2024. *Photo: AFP* |
Born on 16/3/1989 in Clamart, Hauts-de-Seine province, Ile-de-France, Attal grew up in Paris with his three younger sisters. He entered politics at 20 and rapidly ascended through the ranks.
In 2017, Attal was elected to the lower house, subsequently serving as government spokesperson, budget minister, and education minister. In 1/2024, at 34, he became prime minister, the youngest in French history. He submitted his resignation in 7/2024, following parliamentary election results where no single faction — far-left, centrist, or far-right — secured a majority to form a government.
President Macron accepted Attal's resignation in 9/2024. French politics subsequently grew increasingly unstable, witnessing three prime ministers in less than two years. Sebastien Lecornu currently leads the French government, having assumed office in 9/2025.
By Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters)
