Following a robust campaign spanning three months, over **120,000 members** of the **Republican Party** (LR) cast their votes on Sunday, May 18, 2025, to choose between the two candidates for the presidency: **Bruno Retailleau** and **Laurent Wauquiez**. This internal election holds significant stakes, with implications for the candidate’s prospects in the **Elysée** race.
Voting commenced on Saturday afternoon via the internet, and party members had until 6 p.m. to select the successor to **Eric Ciotti**, who chose to ally with the **National Rally** (RN) nearly a year ago. By noon, the participation rate was reported at **63%**, according to the **High Authority** overseeing the ballot. The results will be announced by Annie Genevard, the party’s secretary-general and Minister of Agriculture, later in the day at the party’s **Paris** headquarters.
While Retailleau may appear to have the upper hand over Wauquiez, the voting system introduces an uncertainty into the final outcome. The membership list surged during the campaign, increasing from **43,859** to **121,617** members. This surge makes it challenging to predict who benefits from these new recruitments, as both candidates engaged in rigorous campaigns to attract new supporters.
“Retaille has the advantage, but Wauquiez ran a great campaign,” notes a former member of the Republicans familiar with the inner workings of the party. Wauquiez expressed his confidence, stating, “I will create the surprise.” during an interview with **Figaro**.
A decisive victory could provide the winner with a compelling argument as they pivot toward the **Elysée** race representing the right. Conversely, a narrow win would create challenges in asserting dominance against rivals like **Edouard Philippe**, who currently leads in polls, as well as other key figures such as **Xavier Bertrand** and **David Lisnard** advocating for open primaries on the right. Wauquiez aims for a more limited participation of the **LR** party members.
Very Right-Wing Proposals
Wauquiez has consistently rejected the idea of open primaries, underscoring the risk posed by the potential **”dilution of the right within Macronie.”** This comes amid discussions of a **political agreement** with Edouard Philippe, raising questions on the **electoral strategy** moving forward. Those in the party halls eagerly await the outcome of the voting that will signify a pivotal moment for the party’s direction.
“Let’s not get lost in presidential obsessions that could cost us dearly!” countered Retailleau, who is committed to remaining in **Beauvau** if successful, claiming to embody “a political minister, not a techno minister.”
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As the election for the **LR** president unfolds, the party, which nearly faced extinction during Eric Ciotti’s tenure, has regained some prominence after entering the government in September 2024. This came about with one of their own, **Michel Barnier**, taking the helm at **Matignon**, although facing criticism shortly after from both the left and RN.
Former spokesperson and **Renaissance MP** Maud Bregeon expressed on a recent broadcast her desire for the future LR president to commit to maintaining unity within the central bloc, which seems to favor Retailleau over Wauquiez, whom she implies is more focused on reconquest.
Critics have been vocal as well, with **Frédéric Valletoux**, a deputy from Horizons, slamming Wauquiez’s “campaign for nothing,” painting him as a tactical player whose ideas remain unclear.
An aggressive stance was evident at a recent meeting in Marseille led by Edouard Philippe, focusing his insults toward Wauquiez. “The French aren’t fooled by those trying to reignite the fires of Trumpism in our midst,” Philippe remarked, referencing Wauquiez’s controversial proposal regarding **Saint-Pierre and Miquelon**—a plan to send **foreign nationals deemed dangerous** to the island.
In response, Wauquiez reaffirmed his commitment to his proposals, stating, “It’s gratifying to know that he understands I won’t be easily swayed.”
The leader of the LR deputies has showcased ultra-right proposals during this campaign. By elevating **Giorgia Meloni**, the Italian far-right leader, as a model for the right, he advocates for a coalition that stretches from **Gérald Darmanin**, a former LR, to **Sarah Knafo** of the Zemmour camp, notably excluding the RN and its allied parties.