Glucksmann Wins Left Primary as France Campaign Begins

Raphaël Glucksmann was chosen as the social-democratic left candidate for France's 2027 presidential election after winning the primary in Paris on October 11, 2026, with 66.17% of votes, as Place publique's leader sought to unite left-wing forces beyond the primary.

According to franceinfo, Glucksmann received 79,613 votes among 120,787 voters, while Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure finished second with 17,398 votes, or 14.46%. The other candidates Ségolène Royal, Jérôme Guedj and Emmanuel Maurel each received less than 10%.

The victory followed a first-round result that gave Glucksmann a clear mandate from the primary organizers. He presented himself as a candidate capable of challenging Marine Le Pen's far-right movement.

"No, Ms. Le Pen will not be at the Élysée Palace in May 2027," promised Raphaël Glucksmann, Place publique leader.

During his campaign reaction, Glucksmann described his political position as a democratic alternative and argued for a broader coalition. He said the primary result should lead to a wider effort among left-wing groups outside LFI.

"The candidate of the democratic left" who "will be able to defeat" the far right was how Raphaël Glucksmann presented himself, according to France24.

Glucksmann later addressed supporters after the vote and highlighted themes of justice, ecology and republican values. His message focused on winning the presidential election rather than internal disputes within the left.

"This result says something powerful: a left that remains true to its values can unite, govern and win. It can talk about justice, ecology and the Republic without giving anything up. We are not here to win a quarrel on the left. We are here to win the presidential election," said Raphaël Glucksmann, Place publique leader.

Jérôme Guedj backed the winning candidate after the result was announced and called for a rapid move toward campaigning. He had been one of the candidates in the primary.

"The primary is now behind us. The vote is clear. And so, we must move as quickly as possible into campaigning for the success of the left," said Jérôme Guedj.

Emmanuel Maurel also supported moving forward after the vote, while the primary's other candidates reacted to Glucksmann's victory.

"We are on the right track," said Emmanuel Maurel.

Ségolène Royal finished with 7.6% of the vote and said she accepted the outcome while offering support for broader unity among left-wing forces.

"Very disappointed but without regrets," said Ségolène Royal.

Royal also expressed her intention to contribute to efforts to bring the left together after the primary result.

"To help with the unity of the left," said Ségolène Royal.

Olivier Faure acknowledged Glucksmann's victory after finishing far behind in the primary vote. The Socialist Party leader said he would continue his political work after the result.

"With wisdom," accepted Olivier Faure, Socialist Party first secretary.

Glucksmann also invited former president François Hollande to join the broader political dynamic after Hollande had declined to participate in the primary.

"He is welcome in this dynamic," said Raphaël Glucksmann, Place publique leader.

The new candidate called for cooperation with left-wing forces outside LFI as preparations for the 2027 presidential election continue.

"There will be a broader gathering than the primary," said Raphaël Glucksmann, Place publique leader.