On October 14, 2026, Natacha Polony, a 51-year-old former director of Marianne magazine, made a bold move. She declared her candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election, a decision that was both a personal and political statement. Polony had been a voice of reason and critique in the French media, known for her editorial stances that were pro-souverainist, pro-laïcité, and anti-liberal in economics. Her announcement was a declaration of war on the status quo, a call to arms for those who felt marginalized in the current political landscape.
Polony's journey to the political arena was not accidental. She had already been a significant figure in French media, working with major publications like Le Figaro and various radio and television programs. Her background included a close collaboration with Jean-Pierre Chevènement, a former minister and political figure known for his anti-globalization and pro-souverainist stance. This connection to a prominent political figure added weight to her candidacy, suggesting a potential for a broader coalition.
At the heart of Polony's campaign is a vision of prioritizing French production. She argues that the current system, which subsidizes non-French production companies, is detrimental to the French economy. Polony's proposal is clear: 'I want to gather the orphans of politics,' she declared, 'in a context of national chaos.' Her platform centers on the idea that the French state should focus on supporting domestic production, thereby creating a more resilient and self-sufficient economy. This approach is a direct challenge to the neoliberal policies that have dominated French politics for decades.
Polony believes that the current political system is failing to provide a clear and hopeful vision for the future.
Beyond economic policies, Polony's campaign emphasizes the need for a political offer that rejects impotence and focuses on education, work recognition, and citizen empowerment. She sees a 'crisis lycéenne tragique,' a tragic crisis in high schools, as a symptom of a deeper societal issue. Polony believes that the current political system is failing to provide a clear and hopeful vision for the future. Her campaign website, launched with fanfare, is a testament to her belief in the power of grassroots mobilization and the need for a new political narrative.
However, Polony's path to the presidency is not without challenges. She still needs to gather 500 parrainages, a process that involves securing endorsements from existing elected officials. This requirement is a significant hurdle, as it limits the candidates' ability to gain visibility and support early on. Polony's candidacy is also part of a broader context of political fragmentation, where new voices are emerging and established parties are struggling to maintain their relevance. Her position as a post-chevénementiste candidate, similar to Arnaud Montebourg, places her in a unique position to challenge the status quo.
Polony's declaration of candidacy is more than just a personal decision; it is a statement of intent to 'perturb the political game.' Her vision of a French economy that prioritizes domestic production and a society that empowers its citizens is a direct challenge to the prevailing neoliberal policies. Polony's background as a journalist and editor gives her a unique perspective on the current state of French society, and her campaign is a reflection of her belief that change is necessary.
As the 2027 French presidential election approaches, Natacha Polony's candidacy is a reminder that the political landscape is in flux. Her vision of a French economy that prioritizes domestic production and a society that empowers its citizens is a bold and necessary challenge to the status quo. While the road ahead is uncertain, Polony's declaration of candidacy is a significant moment in French politics, a call to action for those who believe in a different future for their country.