Overview
- Élisabeth Borne stepped down from Renaissance’s leadership on Wednesday, saying she disagrees with the party’s line under Gabriel Attal, and she will focus on her own platform, Bâtissons ensemble, while staying a rank-and-file member.
- Renaissance’s executive board, which met Monday, approved by 60 votes to 3 abstentions a plan that gives the party’s National Council two choices for the 2027 pick, either designating Attal or holding an internal primary.
- Party envoys reported after a two‑month consultation that 70% of activists favor a direct designation followed by a members’ vote, with 15% backing an internal primary and 15% an open primary.
- The National Council, the party’s internal parliament, meets on May 12 and, if it designates Attal, dues‑paid members would vote within ten days to ratify the choice.
- Attal has not declared but is acting like a contender, with a book released April 23, stepped‑up events, and a Paris rally set for May 30, while critics argue he controls council appointments and fear a process that sidelines debate on measures including a proposed veil ban for minors and respect for constitutional and international norms.