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Former French PM Philippe in favour of early presidential election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 6:45 GMT by Asia One
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Former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe Urges an Early Presidential Election

In a surprising move that could shake up France’s political timetable, Édouard Philippe—who served as the country’s prime minister from 2017 to 2020—has publicly called for an early presidential election. The call, made during a televised interview on France 24 on Tuesday, suggests that France should move the next presidential vote up from its scheduled 2027 slot to 2025 or 2026. The former PM, a moderate centrist who once served as mayor of Le Havre and now leads the “Pact for France” (Pacte), argues that an early election would address growing public discontent and provide the electorate with a clear choice before the current presidential term reaches its twilight.

The Status Quo: A Five‑Year Cycle and a Controversial Re‑Election

France’s Fifth Republic is built around a five‑year presidential cycle, with elections held every five years unless a president resigns, dies, or is otherwise removed from office. President Emmanuel Macron’s term is set to expire in 2027, and he is widely expected to seek a second term. However, Macron’s popularity has dipped considerably since his 2017 landslide victory. His administration has been criticized for handling pension reforms, tax policy, and the COVID‑19 pandemic, and he has faced a resurgent “Yellow Vests” protest movement that began in 2018 over fuel tax hikes and perceived economic inequality.

Philippe’s suggestion follows in a tradition of French leaders who have called for early elections during times of political turbulence. In 1995, Prime Minister Alain Juppé’s resignation after a failed legislative vote led to a snap election, which his candidate, Alain Juppé, narrowly lost. More recently, President Jacques Chirac called for a 1995 early election following a constitutional crisis. Philippe’s proposal is part of this historical pattern—an attempt to reset the political stage when public sentiment appears to be shifting.

Why Philippe Wants to Rattle the Clock

In the interview, Philippe explained that France “has a very clear signal of dissatisfaction” from the public. He referenced the rising unemployment among younger demographics, the ongoing migration crisis, and the erosion of trust in the existing political elites. “We have a nation that feels disconnected from the political process,” he said. “If we allow the current trajectory to continue, we risk pushing the public into a more radical stance.”

Philippe also pointed to Macron’s recent policy missteps. He noted that Macron’s handling of the pension reform protests had left the country feeling “exhausted.” “If we do not give the public an early chance to decide who will lead us, we could be risking a destabilizing backlash,” Philippe warned. He further argued that a snap election would give the new President a mandate to implement reforms with fewer obstacles, potentially leading to a smoother transition.

Political Climate and the "Yellow Vests" Factor

The “Yellow Vests” movement, which began as a grassroots protest against fuel taxes, has evolved into a broader critique of the socio‑economic divide. Although the movement’s core issue has lessened since its peak in 2018, the underlying discontent remains. A survey by France's national statistics agency (INSEE) in 2023 indicated that 39% of respondents felt the current government had failed to address their economic concerns.

Philippe’s call may also be a response to the recent shift in the political landscape, with the far‑right National Rally (Rassemblement National) gaining traction in the European Parliament elections. The left‑wing La France Insoumise, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, also capitalized on the protest sentiment. Philippe suggested that an early election could serve as a “reset button,” allowing voters to choose between the polarizing extremes and the moderate centrist platform he represents.

Implications for the Electoral Calendar

If Philippe’s call were to be taken seriously, the Constitutional Council would have to approve a change to the electoral schedule. The council currently upholds a rigid five‑year cycle. An early election would require a formal decree from the President or a constitutional amendment. Critics argue that a snap election could be perceived as a political stunt, potentially backfiring on the incumbent administration. Supporters, however, view it as a way to re‑energize a weary electorate.

Philippe himself clarified that his suggestion is not an immediate demand but a “long‑term strategy” aimed at sparking a broader debate. Nonetheless, the mere fact that a former prime minister is raising the issue will inevitably pressure political leaders to consider it.

Reactions From the Political Spectrum

The call received a quick array of reactions. President Macron’s spokesperson declined to comment on the issue, citing “no official position” on Philippe’s suggestion. Meanwhile, the National Rally’s spokesperson welcomed the idea, saying it would provide “the far‑right a chance to rally against the perceived stagnation.” On the left, Mélenchon criticized the call as “an attempt to maintain a status quo that keeps the electorate disillusioned.”

Among the public, social media was abuzz with divided opinions. Some users saw the call as a prudent move to avoid further unrest, while others viewed it as a cynical attempt by Philippe to boost his own political prospects ahead of the 2027 election.

International Context and the Asia‑Pacific Perspective

AsiaOne’s readership, largely interested in how European political shifts impact international markets and diplomatic relations, noted that an early election could affect France’s stance on the EU’s upcoming trade negotiations with ASEAN. A new administration might adopt a different approach to the EU’s “Digital Services Act” and “Data Governance Act,” which could ripple through Asia‑Pacific data‑sharing agreements.

Furthermore, the early election could influence France’s involvement in defense collaborations in the Indo‑Pacific region, including the “France‑Japan‑India” trilateral dialogues that are gaining traction in the face of China’s growing assertiveness.

Final Thoughts

Édouard Philippe’s plea for an early presidential election is a bold statement that taps into deep‑seated public unease in France. Whether the proposal will catalyze a constitutional change or simply add another footnote to the nation's political annals remains to be seen. Nevertheless, it has ignited a necessary conversation about how long a nation can tolerate perceived governmental inertia before its citizens demand new representation. For Asia‑Pacific observers, the outcome could reshape France’s engagement on trade, technology, and security, underscoring the interconnectedness of global politics.