The French socialist primary for the 2027 presidential election is set to conclude on Sunday, with around 140,000 voters expected to cast their ballots electronically. Raphaël Glucksmann, a favorite to win, hopes to secure the nomination in the first round despite a cyberattack that disrupted the voting process. The attack, which occurred on Friday morning, slowed down connections to the voting platform, prompting organizers to extend the voting period until Sunday evening.
The cyberattack has been condemned as an attack on French democracy, with Patrick Mennucci, president of the primary's organizing committee, stating that it goes beyond the socialist primary. Despite the disruption, voting resumed normally on Friday evening, with over 107,000 voters participating by Saturday evening. Glucksmann, a European Parliament member, has garnered significant support within the Socialist Party, including endorsements from parliamentary group leaders.
Glucksmann's main challenger appears to be Olivier Faure, the Socialist Party's first secretary, who is counting on the loyalty of party militants. However, Faure trails significantly in the polls, with 3-5% of the vote, compared to Glucksmann's 10-12%. Ségolène Royal, a former presidential candidate, is also hoping to make a strong showing, nearly 20 years after her own presidential bid.
A recent Harris Interactive survey for M6 and RTL found that Glucksmann leads in voter preferences, followed by Royal and then Faure. Other candidates, including deputies Jérôme Guedj and Emmanuel Maurel, are considered outsiders in the primary. If no candidate secures a majority, a second round is scheduled for October 16-17.
Glucksmann's campaign has gained momentum with the support of prominent Socialist Party figures, including parliamentary group leaders. His platform has resonated with party members, who see him as a strong contender for the presidential election. Faure, on the other hand, is relying on his party's traditional base to propel him to victory.
The outcome of the primary remains uncertain, with voters casting their ballots electronically until Sunday evening. Results are expected shortly after the polls close. The winner will go on to represent the Socialist Party in the 2027 presidential election, a key contest in French politics.
The French socialist primary is a crucial step in the country's presidential election process, with several candidates vying for the nomination. Glucksmann's lead in the polls has made him a favorite to win, but Faure and Royal remain hopeful of a surprise upset. The primary's outcome will have significant implications for French politics in the lead-up to the presidential election.
Key points
- Raphaël Glucksmann leads in French socialist primary for 2027 presidential election
- Cyberattack disrupts voting process, but Glucksmann remains favorite
- Outcome of primary uncertain, with second round possible if no candidate secures majority
