Édouard Philippe made a mark on the media scene at the beginning of June. The former Prime Minister is multiplying appearances and taking positions. On June 4, he published The Price of Our Lies. This incisive political essay exposes his anger at the state of the country. According to him, France suffers from a lack of clarity and a collective inability to name problems. He notably denounces a form of denial in the face of social, economic, ecological, and demographic challenges.
Thus, it is through the prism of an assumed introspection that Philippe engages in public debate. He does not shy away from school violence or the dysfunctions of public services. But this stance, which combines personal commitment and a sense of urgency, draws criticism from the moderate right. Michel Barnier, a respected figure in European negotiations, opposes him with a more rational approach.
The Barnier-Philippe Divide: Program vs. Emotion
Invited to France Inter on June 10, Michel Barnier expressed clear reservations. He believes there is an excess of emotion in political discourse. For him, "anger is not a program." He prefers a determined attitude, based on concrete proposals that are both measurable and debatable. In this, he draws a line of fracture with the president of the Horizons party.
However, he acknowledges the reality of the anger simmering in the country. The discomfort of the middle classes, difficulties in accessing healthcare, the feeling of insecurity: all are alarm signals that cannot be ignored. But Barnier calls for a structured political response, based on solid institutions and a reasoned reform schedule.
Nevertheless, he does not close the door to collaboration. He states that The Republicans and Horizons will need to "work together" by the 2027 deadline. This statement foreshadows a potential reconfiguration of the center-right, which Philippe could embody in a perspective of liberal modernization.
Tension on the Quotidien Set: A Strategy of Rupture
On the evening of June 10, Édouard Philippe was invited to the set of Quotidien (TMC). The former head of government defended his book there, but the interview quickly turned into a heated exchange. Jean-Michel Aphatie questioned him about the use of the term "brainwashing" by Emmanuel Macron, in reference to social media criticism. Philippe refused to dwell on this remark, which he deemed anecdotal.
He tried to bring the debate back to a dramatic subject: the murder of a school supervisor in Alfortville, which occurred that very day. For him, the priority is first republican. He calls for a return to respect for authority and urgent action against everyday violence. He then denounces a form of media frivolity, symbolized by the quest for sound bites.
This scene illustrates his strategy: to establish himself as a serious and responsible voice, breaking away from the superficiality of some debates. He reaffirms his vision: that of a strong, just state that assumes difficult decisions.
Pensions: A Deliberate Shift Towards Capitalization
In his speeches, Philippe presents his orientations for 2027. The pension issue occupies a central place. He proposes the introduction of 15% capitalization in the system, which has so far been predominantly distributive. This idea is based on a simple demographic observation: France is aging, and birth rates are declining. The current model risks suffocation.
The objective is twofold: to diversify funding sources and better prepare the future of young workers. But the measure provokes debate. Éric Lombard, director of the Caisse des Dépôts, fears a social divide between those who can save and others. He warns of the effects of a two-tier system.
Economists like Mathieu Plane or Emmanuel Grimaud point out the cost of such a transition. Models predict tens of billions of euros to be mobilized. Philippe does not deny these difficulties. He insists: this capitalization would be complementary, not exclusive. It would accompany a measure he assumes: raising the retirement age to 67.
Political Clarity and Presidential Offensive
Édouard Philippe today stands out as the first presidential candidate to deliver a detailed course. His method is based on two pillars: clarity of speech and reformist boldness. He distinguishes himself from the silence of Gérald Darmanin, the caution of Aurélien Pradié, and the observational stance of Emmanuel Macron, who is quietly playing his succession.
On the public stage, Philippe adopts a serious, assumed, almost Gaullist tone. He says what he thinks, without hiding the consequences. This strategy aims to reconcile the Republican right electorate with the idea of economic modernization.
He anticipates criticism. But he bets on a political virtue: frankness. For him, the time is no longer for subtle communication but for exposing reality.
A Campaign Taking Shape Two Years Before the Election
Two years before the 2027 presidential election, the mayor of Le Havre charts his course. He addresses an audience in demand of seriousness, stability, and clarity. He assumes his past as a loyal Prime Minister but marks his difference with Emmanuel Macron. He criticizes some of the president’s late orientations with carefully chosen words.
His campaign does not yet say its name, but it is there. Punctuated by publications, shows, meetings with mayors, it foreshadows a political offer of liberal and sovereign alternation. His bet: to convince the French that the future is built with courage and truth.
The coming months will tell if this vision resonates. But one certainty emerges: Édouard Philippe is already campaigning, and his voice already counts in the 2027 debate.