Former Socialist Prime Minister of France, Manuel Valls, is preparing to step back into the French political arena with a formal presentation to the National Assembly. The move, anticipated for June, aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s party and targets the constituency representing French citizens living in Monaco, Andorra, Portugal, and Spain. Local media outlets reported this development on Tuesday, signaling a notable reshaping of the political map for the upcoming legislative session.
At 59 years old, Valls returns to the front lines of politics after spending recent years as a high-profile political commentator. His decision marks a full-circle moment: he previously stepped away from national leadership to pursue a municipal bid in Barcelona in 2019, a campaign that did not gain the power he sought. This return to French national life suggests a renewed ambition to influence policy at the highest level from Paris while maintaining ties to the varied European communities he has engaged with over the years.
Valls’ political journey began in Évry, a municipality outside Paris, where his early career laid the groundwork for a broader national role. He entered the left’s primary race in 2011 with the aim of becoming president the following year. Although that bid ended in a fifth-place finish, François Hollande rewarded him with the role of Interior Minister, a position he held through 2014. His trajectory culminated in an appointment as Prime Minister after the Socialist Party experienced a significant electoral setback.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Valls began to explore presidential ambitions more broadly. He later left the government to re-enter the primaries, yet he was defeated by Benoît Hamon. In the months that followed, he did not publicly embrace Hamon as the pre-election nominee and instead publicly aligned with Macron. This choice underscored his willingness to recalibrate alliances as political tides shifted in France.
Now, Valls is aiming to re-enter the National Assembly, a body in which he initially served as a Socialist member in 2002 before moving into executive leadership. His return to parliamentary politics signals a broader strategy to influence national policy while maintaining flexibility across European political circles.
In recent public remarks, Valls hinted at a continued passion for public service and a commitment to national governance. He described himself as someone who enjoys directing public affairs and who values the responsibilities that come with serving the country. The statement reflects a personality-driven approach to leadership, one that resonates with colleagues who see public service as a tangible calling rather than a mere career path. His comments came during discussions around Macron’s re-election efforts, where the party has sought to consolidate its lineup and present a credible slate for the upcoming assembly elections.
Macron’s party is moving to finalize the list of parliamentary candidates in the coming days, a process that will reveal how the party envisions its legislative majority and the policy priorities it intends to push forward. Valls’ potential candidacy adds a layer of experience and international perspective to the party’s roster, particularly given his background across both national and European politics. Observers note that his strong background in interior affairs and executive governance could shape his role in any forthcoming parliamentary leadership or committee assignments.
As the political calendar unfolds, supporters emphasize Valls’ long-standing dedication to public service and his affinity for direct, hands-on governance. Critics, meanwhile, will watch closely how his record in government and his recent commentary work translate into practical policy proposals that address the concerns of voters in France and the broader European French-speaking communities. The coming weeks will reveal whether the former prime minister can mobilize broad coalition support and navigate the evolving landscape of French politics with the same determined focus that marked his earlier career.