Karim Bouamrane announces his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election

The socialist mayor of Saint-Ouen officially enters the race for the Élysée Palace, claiming to have a majority and positioning himself in opposition to the LFI line.

Karim Bouamrane has taken the plunge. The mayor of Saint-Ouen, a rising star in the Socialist Party, officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election on Monday. "We have a majority," he declared, displaying a confidence that contrasts sharply with his modest background. Aged 52, this former business executive made his mark by wresting Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine from the right wing in 2020, and was then re-elected in March 2026 for a second term. His name had been circulating last fall as a potential candidate for Prime Minister, a sign of his growing prominence within the left.

A breaking point with La France insoumise

This candidacy is part of a strategy to distinguish itself within the Socialist Party. Karim Bouamrane, who launched the "A Human and Strong France" movement last September, advocates for "the affirmation of a sovereign Socialist Party in opposition with a clear political line." A departmental councilor for Seine-Saint-Denis since 2021, he does not hesitate to directly criticize La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), calling on the Socialist Party to choose "the rejection of chaos," which he believes is embodied by Jean-Luc Mélenchon's strategy. In an interview with the CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France) last March, he emphasized the need for his party to break permanently with the LFI line, particularly on the fight against antisemitism.

From the French Communist Party to municipal socialism

Bouamrane's political career reflects the transformations of the French left. A member of the Communist Party from 1995 to 2014, and a municipal councilor in Saint-Ouen under the mayoralties of Paulette Fost and Jacqueline Rouillon-Dambreville, he joined the Socialist Party (PS) in 2014. His attempt at a municipal election that year failed, despite withdrawing in the second round to block William Delannoy's right-wing candidacy. But six years later, he has his revenge. Now, this native of Clichy wants to bring a pragmatic socialism to the national level, far removed from the opportunistic alliances of the New Popular Front.

Radouan Kourak

Journalist and entrepreneur Radouan Kourak is passionate about history and politics. He is known for his analytical skills, his ability to debate, and his passion for the exchange of ideas. Discovered by Cyril Hanouna, he is a regular on television talk shows. He simultaneously manages several entrepreneurial projects in media, public affairs, and real estate, with a results-oriented and growth-driven approach.

See all articles by Radouan Kourak