French Green leader says she could quit presidential race to help united left win

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - French Green Party leader Marine Tondelier said Monday she could withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if doing so offered a united left a path to victory.

Speaking to broadcaster France 2, Tondelier said she remained committed to a campaign focused on environmental issues and unity but was discussing possible cooperation with other candidates.

The “only reason” for withdrawing would be “a path to victory” for her side that involved a different approach, she said.

“We are currently in discussions with everyone,” Tondelier added.

She said any agreement would need to cover a government program, cooperation in legislative elections and a shared campaign strategy.

Green Party members are due to vote from Dec. 10 to 13 on whether she should remain in the race or withdraw in favor of another candidate.

“I am a candidate today, and the final decision will be made on December 13th,” she said.

Tondelier defended her candidacy as necessary to keep environmental issues at the forefront of the debate, while questioning the ecological priorities of rival left-wing candidates Jean-Luc Melenchon and Raphael Glucksmann.

“I’m not saying they’re against environmentalism, but it’s not in their DNA,” she said.

The Greens remain divided over their presidential strategy. Some members, including lawmaker Sandrine Rousseau, favor backing Melenchon, while others, including Sen. Yannick Jadot, support Glucksmann. Other activists want an independent Green candidacy, according to BFMTV.

Tondelier warned that the left’s prospects were poor without unity, although cooperation remains uncertain amid the rift between Glucksmann and Melenchon.

“I regret there wasn’t a primary, I regret there wasn’t a united front,” she said, insisting that “no one will win alone.”

Necva Taştan Sevinç