EU sidelined in Gabriel Attal’s presidential pitch

PARIS – Gabriel Attal launched his campaign for the 2027 presidential election on Saturday, seeking to establish himself as Emmanuel Macron’s heir while quietly shifting the focus away from the European agenda that has defined the president’s political project.

European flags fluttered alongside the French Tricolore to the strains of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy as Attal wrapped up a speech on Saturday launching his bid for the French presidency.

Yet despite the symbolism, Europe featured only marginally in Attal’s vision for France, a notable omission for a leading figure of Macron’s pro-European camp with close ties to EU Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné.

The contrast was striking. Ahead of Attal’s speech, Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko urged the French to show “wisdom and courage” in backing strong leadership, while Renew Europe leader Valérie Hayer devoted part of her address to defending the European project.

“The battle for Europe has been won,” Hayer…