Gabriel Attal launchesGabriel Attal launches French presidential bid
Former French prime minister Gabriel Attal formally launched his bid for France’s presidency in Paris on Friday. His entry adds to a crowded centrist field ahead of next year’s election and could shape the contest against far-right and far-left rivals as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to step down.
- France’s presidential election uses a two-round system that often forces alliances between the first and second rounds.
- The French presidency is one of Europe’s most powerful executive offices, with strong control over foreign and defense policy.
- Centrist parties in France have often struggled to stay unified once a dominant leader leaves the stage.
