Particle.news
Download on the App Store

François Ruffin Enters Left-Unitary Primary for 2027 as LFI Stays Out

His bid hinges on 500 mayoral sponsors plus 100,000 citizen backers, with a SMIC-level pay pledge drawing fresh criticism.

Overview

  • Organisers set the left-unitary primary for October 11, 2026, with Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Raphaël Glucksmann declining to take part.
  • Ruffin confirmed his candidacy in Libération and on TF1, saying he will pursue the presidency once he gathers 500 mayoral endorsements and 100,000 citizen sponsors.
  • La France insoumise will not join the process, as parliamentary leader Mathilde Panot rejected any primary and criticized its scope.
  • Marine Tondelier (Les Écologistes) and Clémentine Autain (L’Après) are already in the race, while PS leader Olivier Faure seeks to bring Socialists into the vote.
  • Ruffin pledges a “new abolition of privileges,” including taking presidential pay at the minimum wage and cutting Élysée costs, a stance that drew pushback from Louis Sarkozy.