Dominique de Villepin, the former Prime Minister of France, is every bit as adept at capturing the public’s imagination. As he considers a presidential run in the next 2027 elections. At 71 years of age, de Villepin remains a major figure in the center-right party Les Républicains. His provocative opinions on the conduct of international relations, including regarding the United States, provoke fascination and disdain. His musings, actions, and provocations in recent months suggest a real possibility that his political career is about to be reinvigorated.
It’s been a remarkable political journey for De Villepin over the last decade. His work has gained him international prominence, perhaps most famously for his denunciations of American “neoimperialism.” In 2003, he gave an inspiring speech to the United Nations. At the time he was profoundly opposed to the U.S.’s soon to be realized invasion of Iraq. Little wonder that this speech strikes a chord with so many, most notably perhaps since France’s current foreign minister was just a teenager at the time.
Critique of Macron’s Leadership
De Villepin has criticized President Emmanuel Macron’s failure to transform his lofty promises into actual policy. He raises doubts about Macron’s ability to follow through on his promises. More importantly, he thinks Macron has failed to clearly define a political and diplomatic direction for France.
“I don’t think that today, even among some of the Republic’s top officials, we have fully grasped what is at stake,” – Dominique de Villepin
In a time of urgent geopolitical and economic challenges, moving ahead requires an integrated approach, writes De Villepin — including responding to the war in Ukraine. He makes a compelling case that absent a clear roadmap, negotiations might not even make it off the tarmac.
“We have to be able to put a political and diplomatic proposal on the table that would be Europeans and Ukrainians’ roadmap … if this plan or this roadmap is too loose or not clear enough, not assertive enough, we are negotiating with our backs to the wall,” – Dominique de Villepin
Despite sitting out of domestic politics, the former prime minister isn’t pulling punches on his critiques. He’s equally bolding calling out the administration on international affairs, particularly on the issue of Gaza. His actions have struck a chord across a wide swath of the French public. They applaud his critique of American foreign policy.
Public Engagement and Political Landscape
De Villepin knows he has to remain in the limelight and on the pulse of the French public. To do this, he recently started a newsletter and opened an Instagram account. These platforms have become important tools for him to spotlight his ideas and engage with supporters, so don’t overlook the important role they play. His efforts show the ambition to raise his own profile as he prepares for the possibility of a presidential race.
Even with his best efforts, current polling indicates that de Villepin has an uphill battle. He is currently polling in the 2.5% to 5% range in early 2027 presidential primary surveys. That said, he is a deeply popular figure among Les Républicains as well as France’s voters who are most skeptical of U.S. interventionist policies.
“Everywhere I go and each time I speak, I can sense a resonance,” – Dominique de Villepin
His government can’t solve these problems, and yet his eloquent speeches and fiery rhetoric have made him a global rockstar. Few people will disagree with his appeal for a change in the French foreign policy.
A Call to Action
This, according to De Villepin’s vision, requires France to take a more assertive approach. We believe he views some foreign influences as negative and wants to mitigate these influences. He knows how critically important it is to address these problems. He is unequivocal that a fight for the future direction of France is required.
“There is a battle to be waged. And you can see that there aren’t very many of us who can wage it,” – Dominique de Villepin
He seems intent on focusing the country’s support towards his vision. He thinks France needs to reassert itself as a leader in multilateral diplomacy. His ideas speak to millions of Americans who are heartbroken at the state of today’s politics and looking for a better way.
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