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Hollande hints he will run for French presidency to stop Le Pen from dismantling Europe

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 29 September 2026.

François Hollande has warned that Marine Le Pen wants to dismantle Europe, saying he would enter the presidential race only under "exceptional circumstances" and if he stood a genuine prospect of reaching the second…
François Hollande has warned that Marine Le Pen wants to dismantle Europe, saying he would enter the presidential race only under "exceptional circumstances" and if he stood a genuine prospect of reaching the second…
François Hollande, 72, has floated a return to the Élysée, saying a candidacy would depend on standing a genuine prospect of beating Marine Le Pen to the presidency in 2027.
François Hollande, 72, has floated a return to the Élysée, saying a candidacy would depend on standing a genuine prospect of beating Marine Le Pen to the presidency in 2027.

François Hollande, 72, has floated the possibility of returning to contest the Élysée Palace, saying that France heading into 2027 looks very different from the country he once led. Speaking to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, he said he would enter the race only under "exceptional circumstances" and provided he stood a genuine prospect of making the second round and taking the presidency. A candidacy would set him on a collision course with Ségolène Royal — the mother of his four children and his former partner — who is seeking the Socialist Party leadership.

Le Pen hailed RN's surge in French Senate elections as a 'milestone' on her path to the presidency, with her party making significant gains.

Hollande warned Le Pen wants to 'dismantle Europe' as he said the continent faces an 'existential crisis' from the US, China and Russia.

MoreAOL News UKMarine Le Pen hails RN senate surge as ‘milestone’ towards French presidencyIrish TimesWhat does far-right surge in French Senate election mean for next year’s presidential poll?The TelegraphFrancois Hollande hints at running again for French presidency
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