Despite setting a record as France’s shortest-serving prime minister last year, the 74-year-old Barnier has sought to stay involved in national politics with the publication of a book, “What I have learnt from you,” and is even hinting he might consider a presidential bid in 2027.
Barnier will now likely be campaigning as Paris gears up for local elections next year that are expected to be hotly contested. Culture Minister Rachida Dati, a likely candidate, and Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad are calling for a joint candidate from the right and from Macron’s Renaissance party.
Barnier’s candidacy as an MP for Paris will have broad support, argued the same adviser cited above.
“Lots of people in the district, lots of elected officials from both sides of the political aisles [have been] encouraging him to run,” the adviser said.
Barnier’s government was toppled in a December confidence vote as far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined forces to bring him down.