Edouard Philippe, during a speech at a meeting of the executives of his party, Horizons, in Besançon on April 5, 2024, joked about the speculations surrounding his presidential ambitions and subtly hinted at a potential candidacy in 2027. He made a reference to Balzac, stating, “On the day of the elections, I will be everything that I need to be.” Despite his light-hearted approach, the party has been facing challenges as a recent investigation by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office has implicated Philippe and two of his deputies in cases of illegal interest-taking, embezzlement of public funds, favoritism, and workplace harassment.
The main theme of the meeting where Philippe spoke was Europe, with speeches from other party members like Gilles Boyer and Nathalie Loiseau. Philippe emphasized the importance of the upcoming European elections and the need to prevent a setback in European integration due to a rise in Euroscepticism. He also highlighted the significance of the “central bloc” in French politics, ranging from conservative to social-democratic forces.
During the meeting, Philippe showcased the strength of his party, Horizons, boasting of 26,000 members, 1,117 municipal committees, 450 mayors, 32 deputies, and 15 senators. He mentioned that the party had achieved this level of support in just thirty months, comparing it to the growth of a child reaching half its adult height in the same period. Philippe specifically praised the newly joined deputies Bertrand Bouyx, Pierre Henriet, and Alexandre Vincendet, who had previously been part of other political groups. Their switch to Horizons caused tension with their former party leaders, but Philippe expressed confidence that more members would follow their lead.
Despite the challenges his party faced, Philippe remained optimistic about its future and his own potential candidacy for the presidency in 2027. He focused on rallying support for the upcoming European elections and promoting a cohesive political approach within French politics. Philippe’s speech in Besançon reflected his ability to balance humor with serious political discussions and showcased his leadership style within the Horizons party. As the party continues to navigate through legal issues and internal disputes, Philippe’s leadership will be crucial in shaping its future direction and maintaining its relevance in the political landscape.
