France 'going to the dogs', Macron's inner circle despairs

Can't hold the center?

Then there is former prime minister Philippe, who has apparently kept his distance – even disappearing to take sea breezes in the Normandy port of Le Havre of which he became mayor in 2020.

Philippe, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2020, was seen as the country's next centrist president, but has long resented Macron's promise to remain “free but loyal”.

Philippe has distanced himself more firmly from Macron's inner circle in recent days, calling the defeat in the EU election a “rejection of the president” and questioning whether Macron Participate in the campaign.

In the upcoming parliamentary elections, Philippe's “Horizons” group will run as a separate party for the first time, implying a certain financial independence. Also started building relationships With conservative politicians from Les Republicains.

“The French president's coalition is collapsing fast, the coalition partners are collapsing,” political analyst Morel said.

But although Philippe, who remains popular for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, has avoided national politics for the past four years, he risks a final blow if voters turn against Macron's camp.

According to Morel, the parliamentary elections will likely strengthen the National Assembly of the Left and Le Pen, which will be seen as the strongest option in 2027.

After Macron, “the center risks becoming again a place where politicians die,” he said. “With fewer lawmakers, networks, a centrist candidate will struggle to win the presidency.”