Hollande leaves door open to 2027 bid

François Hollande said in a La Repubblica interview published Monday that he may run in France’s 2027 presidential election only under exceptional circumstances if he can reach the second round and win. «I cannot imagine running just to make an appearance in the first round, but rather to reach the second round and win the election. It is on the basis of this possibility that I will make my decision,» the former president said. “Running for president, especially for a former head of state like me, is not a decision to be taken lightly,” Hollande said. The 72-year-old, president from 2012 to 2017 and now a National Assembly member, declined the Socialist Party and Place Publique centre-left primary set for October, saying primaries divide far more than they unite. Five candidates were accepted: Olivier Faure, Jérôme Guedj, Ségolène Royal, Raphaël Glucksmann and Emmanuel Maurel. The first round is scheduled for April 18 and the second for May 2. Macron cannot seek a third consecutive term under Article 6 of the Constitution. August reporting said his organisation rented Paris premises leading up to December. He has not declared a candidacy.