Raphael Glucksmann says he will run for French president

Raphael Glucksmann, a centre-left French member of the European Parliament, announced on August 23 that he will run for president in France's 2027 election.

"Yes, I am a candidate in the presidential election," Glucksmann, 46, told TF1 television. He leads the centre-left Place Publique party and said his aim was to "lift up France".

Glucksmann said he would take part in a planned October primary with the Socialists to choose a single candidate. He ruled out cooperation with hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, who is also planning to stand.

The presidential field is already crowded. President Emmanuel Macron cannot serve another term. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, Greens leader Marine Tondelier, Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure and possibly former president Francois Hollande are among the figures named as contenders or possible contenders.

AFP reported that polls put Glucksmann at 10% to 12% of the vote, a level described as likely short of what would be needed to reach the second-round runoff.

Glucksmann's partner, France 2 presenter Lea Salame, has said she would step aside from her flagship news role if he became a candidate to avoid a campaign conflict of interest, while saying she remains independent. Glucksmann said he had held "long discussions" with Salame about the effect of his decision on their lives.