Former Prime Minister François Bayrou is actively working to position Thierry Breton as a leading candidate for the 2027 French presidential election. Bayrou, who served as Prime Minister from December 2024 to September 2025, has been a significant figure in French politics, notably as the President of the Democratic Movement (MoDem) since 2007.
In recent developments, Bayrou has publicly declared that he will not be a candidate in the upcoming election, stating that his decision allows him to speak more freely and be more useful to the country. This move is seen as a strategic effort to clear the path for Breton, who has been gaining prominence with his fiscal policies. Breton, a former EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, has proposed enshrining a "golden rule" in the French Constitution to limit the public deficit to 1% of GDP by 2032.
Bayrou's support for Breton is also evident in his recent activities. At the MoDem congress in Blois, Bayrou was re-elected as party president and emphasized the party's central role in the government coalition. This congress marked the beginning of preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with Bayrou positioning the MoDem as a key player in the political landscape.
The backing of Bayrou, a seasoned politician with extensive experience, is expected to provide Breton with a solid foundation for his presidential campaign. As the election approaches, the dynamics between these political figures will be crucial in shaping the future of French politics.