Very active since his departure from Matignon, Édouard Philippe clarified his political intentions this Sunday.
Guest of the program Sept à Huit (TF 1), the Prime Minister explained bluntly that, "for the presidential election of 2022", he "will support (t) the President of the Republic".
And to argue his choice: “I hope and think he will be a candidate.
I will support him for three reasons: loyalty to the man and consistency (...) I saw how difficult this post of president is and I think that Emmanuel Macron is made of a metal which I do not see much of. trace in all who are candidates today.
Finally, I think these reforms are going in the right direction.
For these three reasons, my support will be complete ”, he concluded in a long answer.
Edouard Philippe's clarification was eagerly awaited while the mayor of Le Havre continues to meet with political power actors.
He also confirmed that he will soon be launching his own party.
"Absurd to talk about 2027"
The protege of Alain Juppé could already think of playing a role for the presidential election of 2027. Asked on this subject, he swept this hypothesis aside.
“Talking about 2027 is inappropriate and absurd.
If the president is re-elected, he will need a new majority and I want to participate in the constitution of this new political offer.
I'm not asking for a place, ”he said, however.
Read also The "new life" of Edouard Philippe, a very present absent
In the meantime, he continues his tour to promote his book, "Impressions et lines clair", co-written with his friend Gilles Boyer.
Dozens of trips and signing sessions that he would use to meet mayors, all over France.
At Sept à Huit, he also mentioned his departure from the head of government.
“The resignation (…) was quite healthy.
I was not disappointed, maybe a relief.
I might have liked to continue too, ”he also conceded about his departure from Matignon.
“The worst moment was the Milhas train disaster.
It was awful, a terrible tragedy, ”he breathed, visibly still moved by this accident and his meeting with the firefighters and families of victims.
Last June, he received the Legion of Honor from the hands of Emmanuel Macron.
A reunion very scrutinized like all the deeds and gestures of Édouard Philippe.