David Lisnard Quits Les Républicains, Enters 2027 Race

Overview

• Lisnard, who resigned from Les Républicains on Tuesday after meeting Bruno Retailleau, confirmed on France 2 that he will run for president under his Nouvelle Énergie banner.
• He criticized LR’s “ambiguities” toward President Macron’s camp and renewed his call for a broad open primary spanning the center‑right to hard‑right sympathizers.
• LR is pressing ahead with a mid‑April vote of about 120,000 members on three paths: directly naming Retailleau, holding a members‑only primary, or a wider primary that includes sympathizers.
• Retailleau rejected the push for a single unity candidacy, saying opposing the extremes is not enough and arguing a distinct right‑wing platform must mark a break with a decade of Macron policies.
• Pressure to widen the field is growing as Laurent Wauquiez urges a cross‑party rassemblement and Éric Ciotti touts an alliance with the RN, while some LR figures suggest Lisnard’s solo run could later fold back if it stalls.