The presidency of the Renaissance group in the National Assembly arouses covetousness

It’s a negotiation within a negotiation. While the presidential camp is still trying to find a relative majority and is also hoping for a coalition, the big maneuvers have begun to find a president for the Renaissance group. A battle of rivals is looming, with three main players: Gabriel Attal, Gérald Darmanin and Elisabeth Borne, whose name has been invited into the discussions in recent hours. Sylvain Maillard, the outgoing president, will not be a candidate for his own succession, he announced to AFP. The election will take place on Saturday, July 13 in the morning, franceinfo has learned.

The presidency of the Renaissance group, which is the leader of the deputies as well as a regular interlocutor of the head of state, is a coveted position. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is tempted, after having led the legislative campaign and having emancipated himself from Emmanuel Macron. “The deputies want a break with the president, Attal has every chance”observes an advisor.

Except that a counter-offensive is being organized. Gérald Darmanin is thinking of running as a candidate or has thought of doing so, according to some. “He realized he wouldn’t get the votes”says a Macronist strategist. The Elisabeth Borne hypothesis has since returned to the forefront. The former Prime Minister would find herself pushed by the Minister of the Interior, her former rival, even going so far as to imagine a formula for collegiate management of the group. A sort of “anti-Attal” front piloted by the Elysée, some assure. “The president wants Gabriel (Attal)’s head at all costs, everyone knows that”asserts an elected official.

The Prime Minister and his predecessor met at Matignon on Thursday afternoon, as time begins to run out. The group president must be designated by July 18 for the start of parliamentary work.