Former French PM Attal launches presidential campaign with book revealing Macron's snap election decision
Gabriel Attal, France's former prime minister, published a book on Tuesday detailing a conversation with President Emmanuel Macron five days before the 2024 European election, in which Macron rejected Attal's proposals for a cabinet reshuffle or referendums and later announced snap parliamentary elections by phone an hour before a televised address. The book marks Attal's formal entry into the 2027 presidential race, positioning him as a candidate while breaking with his former mentor.
Gabriel Attal, France's former prime minister and a longtime minister under President Emmanuel Macron, published a book on Tuesday that details a conversation with Macron five days before the 2024 European election and formally launches his presidential campaign for the 2027 election.
In the book, Attal describes a meeting with Macron in which polls at the time predicted a clear defeat for Macron's party in the European election. Attal proposed a cabinet reshuffle or referendums to Macron, who rejected both proposals. Attal then asked Macron if he was considering dissolving parliament. According to Attal, Macron raised an eyebrow and let out a long "Pfffft" in response.
Five days later, Macron told Attal by phone one hour before his televised address that he wanted snap parliamentary elections. The book marks Attal's formal entry into the 2027 presidential race, positioning him as a candidate while breaking with his former mentor.