Raphaël Glucksmann launches presidential campaign in Charente-Maritime with Yannick Jadot

Campaign launch at the Aunis wind farm

Raphaël Glucksmann began his campaign for the Socialist Party presidential primary on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, two days after officially declaring his candidacy. Joined by ecologist senator Yannick Jadot in Charente-Maritime, the Place publique MEP visited the Aunis wind farm in Saint-Jean-de-Liversay, situated twenty minutes outside La Rochelle. Glucksmann put on a safety harness and helmet at 10:30 in the morning to ascend a turbine operated by renewable company Valorem, echoing a launch visit Jadot conducted in October 2021. Upon returning to the ground thirty minutes later, Glucksmann announced that ecological transformation would serve as the core axis of his presidential project. The candidate stated his intention to win the party primary and unite the moderate left against the political movement of Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

From the moment we take power, we will organise the hundred days of the ecological revolution.

Energy independence and industrial strategy

Glucksmann linked the green transition directly to national sovereignty and industrial revitalization, calling for an end to France's fossil fuel dependence. He emphasized that importing foreign hydrocarbons strains public finances and leaves the country exposed to external geopolitical shocks. The candidate asserted that ecological reindustrialisation is necessary to ensure France remains independent from Chinese manufacturing and American economic influence. Criticizing Emmanuel Macron's administration for a decade of inconsistent environmental policy, Glucksmann affirmed that the fight against climate change would guide all future public initiatives. Jadot, who officially joined the campaign on Monday, took charge of formulating an ecological state of emergency plan.

Every week, we import a billion euros worth of gas and oil. You wonder about the budget deficit? Invest in the energies of the future.

Common ground and nuclear differences

The two politicians outlined substantial common ground on decarbonisation targets, emphasizing building renovations, public transit electrification, energy sobriety, and accelerating renewable energy deployment. However, they acknowledged an unresolved division regarding nuclear power. Glucksmann advocates constructing new European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs), whereas Jadot opposes building new nuclear plants. Jadot explained that both sides agree on maintaining and securing the existing reactor fleet, while working groups will evaluate generation requirements through mid-century. Glucksmann confirmed that a finalized joint strategy resolving the nuclear question will appear within four to six weeks.

We agree on the fact that we must secure, maintain in good condition and train skills for the existing nuclear fleet.

Agricultural policy in the Marais poitevin

On Tuesday afternoon, the joint campaign traveled east to the Deux-Sèvres department to focus on agriculture and biodiversity. Glucksmann and Jadot departed by boat from Magné before meeting local market gardeners on farmland in the Marais poitevin wetland. Glucksmann made agricultural reform a central issue, criticizing the current structure of the European Union Common Agricultural Policy. He argued that per-hectare payment schemes disproportionately favor large commercial holdings over smaller operations. Glucksmann proposed restructuring European agricultural subsidies to directly remunerate farmers for the environmental and land stewardship services they provide.