Olivier Faure, leader of France's Socialist, in Montreuil, on April 11, 2026. AGNÈS DHERBEYS/MYOP FOR LE MONDE
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t is a political development worth noting: With one year to go before the presidential election, France's Parti Socialiste (PS) is in the process of adopting a policy platform. The foundation, presented on Wednesday, April 22, includes over 600 proposals covering almost every policy area. Socialist members must still amend the 144-page document, which is intended as a toolbox for a "new socialism for the 21st century." The aim? To move beyond a social democracy that is seen as obsolete. Under the title "Living Free," the document notably sets out to loosen the grip of what it calls "predatory capitalism."
This Socialist project– led by Chloé Ridel, a close ally of party leader Olivier Faure – reaffirms the party's commitment to Europe and reconnects with a platform rooted on the left, echoing some of the core principles of the PS from the late 20th century. On economic and social issues, it clearly looks more to Spain's Pedro Sanchez than to Britain's Tony Blair. This is reflected in proposals such as raising the minimum wage to €1,690 per month; repealing the 2023 pension reform and lowering the legal retirement age to 62, with a required career length set at 43 years; introducing a "Zucman tax" on the ultra-rich; limiting pay gaps within companies; and restoring community policing.
