Olivier Faure to Run for Socialist Party Leadership Again, Eyes Left-Wing Unity
On Sunday, February 16th, Olivier Faure, the First Secretary of France’s Socialist Party (PS), announced his candidacy for re-election at the party’s upcoming congress in June. Faure’s nomination aims to continue his current agenda and regain the lost support of voters for the left-wing party.
Faced with internal criticism for his perceived closeness to the far-left "La France Insoumise" party, Faure justified the timing of the June congress by stating, "We must conclude this congress in the first half of the year and settle on a clear political line." He emphasized that he had consulted with leaders of various factions within the party.
At the most recent PS congress in Marseille earlier this year, Faure’s election as First Secretary was contested by his rival, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol. Mayer-Rossignol, who advocated for an anti-"La France Insoumise" stance, was ultimately appointed First Secretary Delegate.
When questioned about former President François Hollande’s suggestion that he step down, Faure responded that Hollande desired "renewal by returning to the forefront himself, offering to lead the Socialist Party once more," a position he held for over a decade (1997-2008). Faure distanced himself from the former President, saying, "I believe that this is not entirely what we have been working towards for the past seven years, and I do not think it is the will of the Socialist Party."
"He is a comrade who defends his own political line, which is not mine. I am not a social liberal," Faure asserted, denying any involvement in the rise of Emmanuel Macron, who served as Minister of the Economy under Hollande.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Faure positioned himself as a unifying figure for the left. "The left encompasses a broad spectrum, from the radical left to the moderate left of François Hollande. We must unite it: I want to be at its heart and ensure that we can move forward together," he declared.
Faure’s announcement of his candidacy and call for unity is a significant step in shaping the future of the Socialist Party. The June congress will be a crucial moment for the party to define its political direction and choose its leadership for the coming years. His emphasis on rassemblement and his positioning as a bridge between different factions of the left could potentially strengthen the party’s standing in French politics.
However, Faure’s perceived closeness to "La France Insoumise" and his criticisms of former President Hollande indicate that there are still internal divisions within the party that need to be addressed. The outcome of the June congress will largely depend on Faure’s ability to navigate these challenges and unite the Socialist Party behind a common vision for the future of French politics.
