Raphaël Glucksmann wins French centre-left presidential primary

Raphaël Glucksmann has won France’s “centre-left” primary, securing the backing of the Socialist Party and its allies for next year’s presidential election.

The member of the European Parliament emerged victorious from the contest in a single round, capturing more than 66% of the vote to defeat Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure and three other candidates in the first round.

More than 120,000 people cast ballots across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The leader of the small centre-left party Place Publique entered the race as one of the favourites.

Glucksmann emerged from the primary strengthened. He now possesses access to the resources of the Socialist Party and has built a broader base for his candidacy.

The French politician said:

“This result sends a strong message: a left faithful to its values can unite, govern, and win. We are here to win the presidential election: to put an end to Macronism, stop the far right, and change our lives.”

A staunch supporter of Ukraine and a critic of China, Glucksmann now faces a far greater challenge in Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed (LFI).

Mélenchon is rising in opinion polls: according to a recent Ifop poll, he commands between 14% and 17% support, compared with 11% for Glucksmann.

In recent weeks, Glucksmann campaigned against entering into an alliance with Mélenchon.

Three other candidates competed in the primary, including former minister Ségolène Royal alongside lawmakers Jérôme Guedj and Emmanuel Maurel.

Approximately 140,000 people registered to vote in the primary. Around 80,000 of them were not members of any of the competing parties but paid 15 euros to participate, heightening uncertainty over the outcome.

Organisers said on Friday that the online voting platform had been subjected to a cyberattack shortly after opening, but affirmed that the platform was “never interrupted” and that “the integrity of the recorded votes was not compromised.”