"Need for unity," "support for Rachida Dati": the right divided after the candidacies of Rachida Dati and Michel Barnier in the partial legislative elections in Paris

Is it time for a division on the right? Michel Barnier was chosen, almost unanimously , this Monday, July 28 by Les Républicains to be a candidate for the by-election in the second constituency of Paris.

On his social media, he hails "a strong show of confidence." "I want to contribute to bringing serenity to the debate, consistency in ideas, effectiveness in action, and a strong voice," Michel Barnier says, indicating that he "has no municipal ambitions."

For her part, the Minister of Culture , Rachida Dati, announced her candidacy , which she will present "whatever happens", accusing the former Prime Minister of running to serve "presidential ambitions".

"My determination and my energy are for them! Paris cannot suffer from ego wars that are foreign to me," Rachida Dati told Le Parisien - Aujourd'hui en France even before Michel Barnier's candidacy was made official.

Two candidates who could fracture the right in this election, organized following the forced departure of Jean Lassucq , his campaign accounts having been declared ineligible by the Constitutional Council.

Île-de-France regional president Valérie Pécresse notes that "the right needs unity." "Barnier in the Assembly and Dati in the Paris municipal elections," writes the candidate in the last presidential election.

Othman Nasrou described Michel Barnier as an "excellent candidate," recalling that he was "unanimously nominated."

"There's a time for everything. We have a by-election coming up. Discussions are about to begin now," explains the secretary general of the Republicans.

Macronist MP Karl Olive shared his "support for Rachida Dati," calling her a "field woman" and a "brilliant minister." Horizons MP Naïma Moutchou, Vice-President of the National Assembly, highlighted Rachida Dati's career, which "commands esteem" and highlighted "her commitment." "In this by-election, I personally support her," wrote Naïma Moutchou.

In turn, I pay tribute to your courage, your loyalty, and your freedom, which have always defined you. You know what it means to go through this ordeal," the Minister of Culture replied. "Your support touches me deeply. It says a lot, both about you and about our shared commitments."

In a press release, LR indicated that Senator Agnès Evren, president of the Paris federation, "will lead discussions with Rachida Dati" to "build a unifying list to serve Parisians."

This division on the right could benefit the left, which surprisingly managed to slip into the second round last year in this constituency, considered "unlosable" for the right. The Socialists are expected to formalize their candidate soon.