Centre-left Glucksmann enters French presidential race as left tries to unite
Glucksmann, 46, a Member of the European Parliament, who leads the Place Publique, party, announced on on TF1 television Sunday evening that he was running to "to win and to change France".
“I am a candidate to lift up France because, you know, we all have a knot in our stomachs when we look at what our nation is becoming and what it could become in the months ahead,” he said, making reference to the rise of the far right.
Polls have shown far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whose conviction for embezzlement was upheld by an appeals court last month, consistently leading in the first round of the election to replace President Emmanuel Macron, who cannot run for another term.
They also predict a struggle for potential challengers from the centre and left to defeat her in the second round runoff.
Glucksmann, the son of philosopher Andre Glucksmann, insisted he was not part of "classical political" circles, referring to his past work abroad in the aftermath of genocide in Rwanda and as an adviser to Mikheil Saakashvili, the former president of Georgia who is now in prison.
Popular among young people, Glucksmann, joins a crowded field on the left and centre. The Socialists and Place Publique are planning to hold a primary in October to select a single candidate.
After refusing to take part in a broader leftist primary, he confirmed he would take part in the primary with his "Socialist friends", though he ruled out any cooperation with Melenchon, still the leading contender on the left.
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"The left can win the presidential election if it stands firm on its principles," Glucksmann said. "We must stop being afraid of Melenchon."
Polls predict Glucksmann could win 10-12 percent of the vote, a creditable score but likely not secure a place in the second round.
Glucksman strikes a more reformist and centrist tone than the Socialist Party. While being critical of some of President Emmanuel Macron's pro-business policies, Glucksmann has advocated a similar pro-European, pro-Ukraine line, positioning himself as a staunch defender of liberal democracy.
His partner Lea Salamé a top news anchor on France 2 public television, announced she would withdraw from hosting during the campaign to avoid a conflict of interest.
She has insisted she remains objective.
"I am an independent, honest journalist – a free woman," she said in February, while acknowledging that questions about their personal and professional situation were "legitimate".