Philippe introduced his campaign team, calendar, and priorities for his Horizons party at an event in the northeastern French city of Reims. He announced plans to craft a "massively optimistic" vision for France and emphasized the need to reach beyond his party's boundaries to gain broader support.
In his speech to several hundred delegates, Philippe stated, "I will propose ideas that will unite others: a clear, ambitious, precise, and realistic platform, and it will be massive." He announced that his first campaign event will take place in Paris on July 5.
Philippe, who has faced criticism in recent weeks for his low-key campaign, is seen in polls as the best centrist candidate to defeat the far-right competition. However, recent surveys indicate that his lead over former Gabriel Attal and conservative Bruno Retailleau is diminishing.
He outlined his campaign goals, including lowering corporate taxes, reducing the public deficit, and combating crime and drug trafficking. Philippe criticized both the National Rally and the left-wing party La France Insoumise under Jean-Luc Mélenchon, accusing them of selling dangerous ideas to the French people.
However, his speech remained vague on sensitive issues such as the retirement age and planned cuts to public spending. Philippe promised to present concrete proposals in the coming months.
Source: www.politico.eu
