Presidential 2027: Marine Tondelier reaches out to all the left, from LFI to Place publique

Marine Tondelier, leader of the Greens (Écologistes), has proposed “bilateral meetings” with all leftist parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election. She maintains her candidacy despite the failure of a united primary with the Socialists. In an interview with La Tribune, she stated she is ready to “rediscuss with everyone on the left, without exclusivity,” aiming to find “a path to victory.” The proposal comes after the collapse of a joint primary effort with the Socialist Party (PS). With eight months remaining until the elections, Tondelier hopes to avoid what she calls “the chronic history of an announced defeat” for the left. Her strategy involves engaging with all major leftist groups, including the PS, Communist Party (PCF), and the Left Front (LFI). She emphasized that each party would receive a bilateral meeting invitation to discuss shared projects, strategies, and potential paths to electoral success. A letter, obtained by AFP, was sent to all leftist parties, ranging from LFI to Place Publique, as well as regionalist movements. This initiative follows the upcoming summer conferences of her party, the Insoumis, and the PCF, while the PS’s conference will take place at the end of August. The letter outlines the goal of creating a common political space, which must be built on “solid foundations.” Among these foundations are ecological transition, phasing out fossil fuels, establishing a climate-focused welfare state, ending the pursuit of economic growth, and building a federal Europe grounded in values such as hospitality, solidarity, and democracy. Tondelier stressed that while the core issues must be addressed, the legislative elections must also be considered in preparation for a possible dissolution following the presidential race. She argued that together, they must project into the exercise of power. At the same time, she warned against the risk of division leading to the left being eliminated in many constituencies during the early rounds of voting. In anticipation of responses from her potential partners, Tondelier continues to present herself as a presidential candidate. She questioned why she should stop being one, asserting that her votes will never contribute to the success of the National Rally (RN). “The Greens are ready to work, to discuss, and to build a shared project,” she said. “We are ready to engage in discussions with your organization. Are you ready too?” Her campaign highlights the current crisis facing France, including heatwaves, wildfires, and severe droughts. They also point to the resurgence of imperialisms, electoral interference, the influence of social media algorithms, and the misuse of personal data. Tondelier and her team argue that their approach is not about imposing terms but about constructing something that meets citizens’ expectations and the demands of the situation. The left remains fragmented, with the PS opting for a more limited primary process after its failed attempt at unity. As the 2027 presidential elections draw closer, the challenge for Tondelier, and other leftist leaders, will be to bridge divides and create a cohesive front capable of challenging the far right. Whether this strategy will succeed remains uncertain, but the call for collaboration signals a shift toward collective action in the face of growing societal pressures.