The French presidential hopeful seeks to unite the moderate centre-right before taking on the far right and far left
French presidential candidate Édouard Philippe sought on Sunday to turn months of preparation into political momentum by holding his largest rally to date.
His aim is to establish himself as the undisputed leader of a fragmented moderate right ahead of next year’s presidential election.
At 55, Philippe remains one of the frontrunners to succeed Emmanuel Macron, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term in one of the most consequential elections in generations for France.
As the far right still surges in the poll and the conservative, centre-right ranks second, his lead over rivals has narrowed as former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau compete for the same electorate.
