Presidential 2027: A che serve candidarsi se non si ha alcuna possibilità, come Natacha Polony?

Natacha Polony has declared her candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election under the slogan “We Are France.” She made the announcement during a radio interview with France Inter, stating that circumstances have compelled her to take this step. Polony, a well-known essayist and former professor, joins a growing list of unexpected candidates, including journalists, intellectuals, and other public figures. Polony’s decision follows a pattern seen among several recent candidates who felt their ideas were ignored by mainstream politics. Gaspard Koenig, another candidate from 2022, explained that his think tank, Génération Libre, had pushed for policies not adopted by traditional parties. He believes Polony shares similar motivations, driven by frustration over political neglect and a desire to influence public discourse. According to Alexandre Eyriès, a communications researcher, editorialists often feel inspired by their proximity to politicians and their ability to shape narratives. While Polony likely knows she faces slim chances of winning, she aims to amplify her views through the platform of a presidential campaign. The structure of the French electoral system encourages such campaigns, as the presidency is the only opportunity to launch a political movement. However, some critics argue that this creates an immature relationship with politics, expecting too much from the executive branch. The rise of social media has further lowered barriers to entry, allowing individuals to bypass traditional political pathways. Jean Petaux, a political scientist, notes that the presidential election remains popular among voters and has historically attracted outsider candidates. He attributes this trend partly to the success of Emmanuel Macron, who ran without a formal party backing. Despite these factors, launching a campaign requires substantial effort. Koenig's team spent thousands of calls securing endorsements, highlighting the difficulty of obtaining the required 107 signatures from mayors. While some mayors automatically support candidates from established parties, independent candidates face greater challenges. Polony appears confident in her prospects, noting that mayors have reached out to endorse her. Whether she will share the same positive experience as Koenig after the first round on April 18 remains uncertain.