Dominique de Villepin, Bernard Cazeneuve, and Xavier Bertrand are among several potential candidates for the **French presidential election** who have not yet officially declared their candidacy. These figures appear to be testing the waters, oscillating between the idea of launching a campaign and the hesitation to do so. Bernard Cazeneuve, a former prime minister, sent a letter to the French public in July outlining a draft presidential program, but this was not seen as an official declaration. Xavier Bertrand, president of the Hauts-de-France region, has expressed a desire to be a candidate but has also stated that the timing is not yet right. He has reportedly declined an offer to join the government in 2027. Dominique de Villepin has hinted at a potential candidacy without officially declaring it, while also promoting his political vision. Cazeneuve has indicated that he will confirm his candidacy once the electoral campaign has progressed beyond initial stages. The reluctance to officially declare candidacy is attributed to several factors, including the need to collect 500 mayoral signatures, the difficulty in securing financial support from banks, and the requirement to disclose personal assets and interests to the High Authority for the Transparency of Public Life. These challenges are not new; similar patterns were observed in previous elections, with many prominent figures failing to officially launch campaigns. Some candidates may delay their official declarations to maintain leverage in political negotiations. For example, the minister of justice, Gérald Darmanin, has proposed to Édouard Philippe to extend support to Xavier Bertrand, potentially offering him a government position. This strategy allows candidates to remain in the public eye, participate in media appearances, and maintain visibility even if they ultimately decide not to run. Dominique de Villepin, in particular, has seen a resurgence in public interest, partly due to his recent political stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. His return to prominence is seen as a way to re-engage with the public and update his political network. Some analysts suggest that the delay in declaring candidacy allows candidates to gauge the political landscape and assess their chances before making a final decision. As the situation develops, the political landscape will become clearer in the coming months.