Alexandre Chauveau
While Edouard Philippe is still racing at the top of the popularity polls among the French, several personalities within his party, Horizons, are expressing their desire for emancipation from the macronie. In their sights: the presidential election of 2027 and the desire to present an offer that goes beyond the simple balance sheet of Emmanuel Macron.
“It is difficult to make another voice heard.” The observation, full of frustration, is released by an important elected official from Horizons. The formation of Edouard Philippe has indeed voted 94% for the texts presented by the government. A seemingly logical strategy, the party being a member of the majority, but which raises questions internally. “At some point, we will have to present another offer” pleads a manager, who deplores the lack of proposals from Horizons on major themes such as education or health. “Today, our program is centered around a single man, but who can give the exact definition of Philippism?” asks this elected representative of a large city.
The senatorials: next test for the majority
Edouard Philippe continues his tour of the sub-prefectures, away from the media radars. “He is in a phase of rooting and preparation to be mature when necessary” confirms one of his relatives. And emancipation from the majority does not seem to be on the agenda at this stage. “This does not prevent him from having his own identity”, summarizes one in the entourage of the mayor of Le Havre.
Nevertheless, the senatorial elections in September will be a test, because Horizons intends to invest the maximum number of candidates. With a large number of local elected officials, some are pleading internally to impose their candidates, even if it means going to a showdown with Renaissance. The challenge is to increase the number of elected officials at the national level to influence the future of the country. “We should not become an AMF bis” deplores the councilor of a large city, for whom Horizons must be more on the initiative, and must not be limited to a simple grouping of mayors.