Eight months before the 2027 presidential election, Vincent Bolloré is reportedly making particularly harsh private judgments about several of the leading contenders for the Élysée Palace. Marine Le Pen is described as "economically illiterate ," Bruno Retailleau as "not up to scratch ," Édouard Philippe as "just a Macron minus one," and Éric Zemmour as now "out of touch." These are particularly brutal remarks, especially considering the industrialist seems to be taking a much more keen interest in Sarah Knafo.
Marine Le Pen, "economically illiterate"
The most scathing criticism was leveled at Marine Le Pen. Vincent Bolloré reportedly described the National Rally candidate privately as "economically illiterate ." This remark was particularly cutting given that the RN candidate had just defended her economic policies at the first major presidential debate held at the Medef (French Business Confederation). Marine Le Pen notably promised €125 billion in savings and advocated for a reduction in production taxes as well as a policy of national preference in public procurement.
Bruno Retailleau "not cut out enough" for the Élysée Palace
Bruno Retailleau is not convincing Vincent Bolloré either. The president of the Republicans party has met with the businessman, notably in the Vendée region. But the verdict attributed to the industrialist is unequivocal: the former Minister of the Interior is deemed "not sufficiently qualified" to reach the Élysée Palace. This assessment comes at a time when Retailleau has taken a central role in the presidential campaign and is advocating a radical economic policy, including the possibility for companies to move away from the 35-hour workweek.
Édouard Philippe, simply "one less Macron"
Édouard Philippe is also bearing the brunt of Vincent Bolloré's judgments. The former Prime Minister is summed up by a particularly scathing phrase: "one less Macron ." This is a way of viewing the Horizons candidate as a mere extension of the current President of the Republic, lacking the qualities that enabled Emmanuel Macron to win the presidency in 2017. Yet, Édouard Philippe has been trying for several years to forge his own path and recently advocated for a significant reduction in production taxes in exchange for a decrease in public subsidies to businesses.
Eric Zemmour is now reportedly "off the air"
But perhaps the most striking case is that of Éric Zemmour. Vincent Bolloré has reportedly "cut the cord" with the leader of Reconquête, whose media exposure had increased considerably since 2019 when he became a daily commentator on CNews. A candidate in the 2022 presidential election, where he garnered 7,07% of the vote in the first round, Zemmour remains a potential candidate for 2027, but his position is weakened by the political rise of Sarah Knafo.
Sarah Knafo seems to be in Bolloré's good graces.
Because behind the criticism leveled at the other contenders, one name stands out: Sarah Knafo. The MEP from the Reconquête party seems to enjoy a significantly more favorable view from Vincent Bolloré. This situation inevitably fuels questions about her role in the next presidential election. For several months, the MEP has been working to strengthen her image on economic, budgetary, and public spending reduction issues. The question of her candidacy, however, remains open. Sarah Knafo had publicly ruled out a candidacy in 2027, while leaving Éric Zemmour to decide on Reconquête's presidential strategy. Since then, the balance of power has continued to shift. Zemmour remains the natural candidate for his party, but the Knafo hypothesis is more than credible.
Bolloré is handing out demerits to the right
At 74, Vincent Bolloré has not held an operational role at the head of his group since 2022, but his influence in the French media and cultural landscape remains considerable. His relationships with political figures, particularly on the right, are therefore still under scrutiny as the presidential election approaches. The judgments attributed to him are remarkably harsh: Marine Le Pen is said to be "economically illiterate ," Bruno Retailleau "not sharp enough ," Édouard Philippe "less Macron," and Éric Zemmour now "out of touch." Amid this barrage of criticism, Sarah Knafo seems to be the one who currently holds Vincent Bolloré's most favorable attention.
