French social-democratic candidates clash over LFI alliances and Ukraine in first debate

Clashing over alliances with La France Insoumise

The five contenders in the French social-democratic presidential primary met on 23 September 2026 for a three-hour televised debate on LCI. The broadcast, organized under a "Face aux Français" format, brought together Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure, Member of the European Parliament Raphaël Glucksmann, former 2007 presidential nominee Ségolène Royal, and deputies Jérôme Guedj and Emmanuel Maurel. Deep divisions emerged regarding future legislative partnerships with Jean-Luc Mélenchon and his party, La France Insoumise. Faure, Royal, and Maurel refused to rule out a united left coalition, citing the need to prevent Marine Le Pen from winning the presidency. Guedj challenged Faure over his 2024 legislative electoral pact, arguing that compromise with the radical left compromised core socialist principles.

Faure defended previous cooperation with La France Insoumise during the 2024 snap elections.

Let us stop spitting on the rest of the left! If you tell Insoumis voters that they stink, they will never come!

Glucksmann argued that entering an election allied with Mélenchon frightens moderate voters and guarantees an electoral defeat against the far right.

To beat the far right, including in the legislative elections, if you arrive with an alliance with LFI, you lose.

Divisions over Ukraine and Russian negotiations

Foreign policy produced sharp exchanges when candidates debated diplomatic and military support for Ukraine. Royal argued that Europe must pursue negotiated terms with Moscow to secure a just and lasting peace. Her position drew immediate pushback from Glucksmann and Guedj, who reminded viewers of Royal's controversial 2022 comments questioning reported wartime massacres before she issued an apology. Royal defended her stance against accusations of leniency toward Moscow.

Some tell us that we do not have the right to talk about peace, otherwise we are treated as Putinolaters.

Glucksmann rejected negotiations, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of talking with European leaders and asserting that Ukrainian soldiers represent Europe's first line of defense. Guedj also criticized Royal for what he described as wavering on policy toward Russia.

Disagreements on Gaza, antisemitism, and economic policy

The debate exposed further splits on the Middle East and domestic policy. Royal argued that rising antisemitism is tied to the actions of Israeli leaders rather than Israel itself, suggesting that more Jewish voices must condemn actions in Gaza. Guedj and Glucksmann condemned the statement, arguing that demanding Jewish citizens answer for the Israeli government essentializes identity and incites antisemitic hostility in France. Royal dismissed the accusations as caricatures and bad-faith attacks. Faure urged the candidates to describe Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, referencing remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, though Glucksmann declined to use the term. The candidates also debated diverging economic policies regarding pensions, fuel prices, and national debt.

The primary debate schedule and voting dates

The LCI broadcast marked the start of a three-debate series leading up to the party balloting. France 2 will host the second debate on 1 October 2026 behind traditional lecterns with chronometers to track speaking time, followed by a final debate on BFMTV on 4 October 2026. Party members will select their presidential candidate in two voting rounds scheduled for 9–10 October and 16–17 October 2026.