Politics · France · 2 hrs ago
Glucksmann wins French left primary but needs wider support to contend
Raphaël Glucksmann won more than 66% of the first-round vote in a primary organized by the Socialist Party, Place Publique and the Republican and Socialist Left.
The 46-year-old leader of Place Publique is a pro-European candidate for France’s 2027 presidential election.
His victory could bring him the Socialist Party’s backing and resources, but it does not guarantee success in the national vote.
Recent polls put him behind far-right leader Marine Le Pen, far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon and center-right former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.
Glucksmann needs to attract left-leaning voters who may choose Mélenchon, as well as centrists weighing Philippe and Gabriel Attal.
He has ruled out working with Mélenchon, and his stance has drawn criticism from other left-wing politicians, including Green candidate Marine Tondelier.
His next challenge is to build support across the left and beyond as the field of presidential candidates takes shape.
Raphaël Glucksmann won more than 66 percent of the vote in the first round of a French center-left primary.
The result gives him the backing and resources of the Socialist Party, but he needs broader support to contend for the presidency.
Recent polls cited by Politico Europe show him trailing Marine Le Pen, Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Édouard Philippe.
Glucksmann is seeking support from left-leaning voters and centrists while facing competition from Mélenchon and the Greens.
He has refused to work with Mélenchon’s France Unbowed, and has accused Mélenchon of using antisemitic tropes, an allegation Mélenchon denies.
- Who
- Raphaël Glucksmann, leader of the moderate left party Place Publique.
- What
- He won more than 66 percent in the first round of a center-left primary. He needs broader support to contend for the presidency.
- When
- The result was announced on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Paris, France.
- Why
- The primary victory gives Glucksmann backing and resources, but he needs support from more voters and political groups to win the presidency.
Raphaël Glucksmann
Jean-Luc Mélenchon
Working together
Raphaël Glucksmann
Glucksmann has long refused to work with France Unbowed.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon
Not stated.
Political allegations
Raphaël Glucksmann
Glucksmann has accused Mélenchon of using antisemitic tropes and being insufficiently supportive of Ukraine and too friendly with China.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon
Mélenchon has denied the allegation of using antisemitic tropes.
The first round of the center-left primary took place, and Glucksmann’s result was announced in Paris.
Politico Europe reported on Glucksmann’s primary victory and his need to build wider support.
- Primary vote
- More than 66 percent for Glucksmann in the first round
- Nearest competitor
- Glucksmann won more than four times as many votes
- Primary organizers
- Socialist Party, Place Publique and Republican and Socialist Left
- Age
- 46
- Presidential election
- 2027
What people are saying
We’re still a long way from the final list of candidates, and the political landscape is far from set in stone
The result is indisputable: I am tonight the candidate of the democratic left.
The ability to unite comes from strength.
Sources
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