Former finance minister unveils plan for ‘a different France,’ but no presidential bid

Former French finance minister Bruno Le Maire has unveiled a 50-point programme called “a different France”, setting out a broad political vision before deciding whether to run in the 2027 presidential election. The move signals a return to national politics and challenges other centrist candidates to offer a clearer programme, though Le Maire says he will decide on a bid in early 2027.

His proposals combine measures to cut public debt with tax increases on the wealthiest and spending restraint, including freezing many civil service hires and ending inflation-linked increases to pensions and benefits. He also proposes raising the retirement age to 65, cutting France’s annual EU contribution by €5 billion, and holding at least five referendums during a presidential term; the first would cover constitutional and institutional changes. Le Maire, who served as finance minister from 2017 to 2024, says he favours one candidate for the right and centre and opposes a primary.