Fabien Roussel calls to reject Emmanuel Macron and prepare 2027 communist presidential bid

Summer university in Toulouse

French Communist Party (PCF) national secretary Fabien Roussel addressed party members on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in Toulouse. The appearance took place in the Haute-Garonne department on the occasion of the 23rd edition of the party's annual summer university. Roussel, who secured re-election to the head of the PCF by a wide margin, utilized the gathering of communist militants to set the political tone for the upcoming political season. The annual summer event brought together party delegates and organizers from across France to assess the current political landscape and establish organizational priorities.

Opposition to Emmanuel Macron and political rivals

In his address to the Toulouse assembly, Roussel delivered a direct appeal to remove French President Emmanuel Macron and discard his administration's policy platform. The communist leader argued that the country needs a complete break from the governance of the current executive branch. Roussel stated that this rejection must extend to all political figures and groups that seek to continue implementing Macron's program, identifying opponents across the spectrum from the conventional right to the far right. He presented the party's opposition not merely as a parliamentary disagreement, but as an active push against corporate and financial interests.

a true social and ecological revolution against this financial oligarchy

The 2027 presidential calendar

The speech in Toulouse situated the party's opposition within the context of the upcoming 2027 French presidential election. The national contest is scheduled to take place across two rounds, with voting set for 18 April 2027 and the runoff on 2 May 2027. Over the preceding weeks, Roussel engaged in sustained efforts to secure an independent communist ticket for the presidential race. The party leader has argued against stepping aside in national contests, insisting instead on maintaining a distinct communist identity on the ballot.

Leadership and party strategy

The gathering in Haute-Garonne served as a focal point for debate among PCF activists over the official launch of the 2027 campaign. Having secured his leadership position with a decisive re-election, Roussel used the platform to test support among militants for an autonomous bid. Attendees at the summer university considered whether the speech would mark the formal announcement of his presidential candidacy. Roussel concluded his remarks by urging members to mobilize against the financial establishment and prepare the party machinery for the electoral battles ahead.