The one French politician who’s not on vacation this summer

PARIS, Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is defying convention by staying active in the political arena during France’s traditional summer vacation period, a move aimed at bolstering his chances in the upcoming presidential election. While many of his competitors are taking a break, Attal, leader of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party, is leveraging the lull to engage directly with voters across the country. His strategy involves visiting vineyards, markets, ports, and seaside towns, places where he hopes to connect with everyday citizens and demonstrate his commitment to addressing national concerns. The decision comes amid a tight race for the presidency, with Attal currently trailing his main ideological rival, Edouard Philippe, in the polls. Both men represent the centrist and center-right factions, and they have tentatively agreed that only one of them should appear on the ballot to avoid splitting their shared voter base. This agreement is critical, as the race is structured to reach a two-candidate runoff if no one secures a majority in the first round. While Attal works to close the polling gap, several other prominent candidates are taking extended vacations. Far-right front-runner Marine Le Pen, far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon, and conservative contender Bruno Retailleau are all absent from public campaigns during the height of the summer holidays. Their rationale is simple: voters seek respite, and candidates should respect that by stepping back from the political spotlight. “We shouldn’t bother the French people while they’re on vacation,” remarked an adviser for Retailleau, reflecting a common sentiment among the other contenders. Attal, however, believes that maintaining visibility during the summer can yield tangible benefits. His team argues that a sustained campaign effort allows him to win over voters incrementally, reinforcing his image as a determined and accessible leader. To support this narrative, Attal recently appeared in an interview with the right-wing weekly Le Journal du Dimanche, where he advocated for stricter immigration controls, streamlined administrative processes, and enhanced law enforcement measures. These positions align with the concerns of many middle-class and older voters, groups that historically supported conservative candidates. In addition to media appearances, Attal has made strategic visits to regions where tensions often arise between local authorities and traveling communities. Earlier this month, he addressed a group of French gens du voyage, a term encompassing traditionally nomadic populations such as the Roma and Manouche, who had occupied land without authorization. The encounter, broadcast on CNEWS, highlighted his willingness to confront sensitive issues head-on. French municipalities are legally obligated to provide designated stopping sites for these communities, yet compliance is inconsistent, leading to frequent disputes over land use. This engagement with marginalized groups underscores Attal’s broader efforts to appeal to a wider spectrum of voters, particularly those who feel disconnected from mainstream politics. For both Attal and Philippe, gaining traction on the right will be essential. Macron’s 2022 victory was largely driven by older, more affluent voters who had traditionally leaned toward conservative parties. As the political landscape continues to shift, capturing this demographic becomes increasingly vital. With the election still months away, the effectiveness of Attal’s summer campaign remains uncertain. Pollsters, too, have taken a step back, focusing on other priorities. Yet, the lack of competition on the campaign trail has allowed Attal to dominate headlines, offering him a unique opportunity to shape public perception ahead of the decisive phase of the race. Whether this approach translates into electoral success will depend on how effectively he can translate his visible presence into lasting voter support.