Emmanuel Maurel, a deputy and former leader of the left-wing faction within the Socialist Party, announced on Friday, September 4, that he would run in the primary aimed at selecting the Social Democratic candidate for the 2027 presidential election. Maurel is currently part of the communist group in the French National Assembly, the legislative body of France. His decision to run is driven by a desire to "voice a singular opinion, for France, for the left, and for Europe." He believes that a strong left-wing candidate can advance to the second round of the presidential election and potentially defeat the far-right National Rally party, which has been gaining influence in recent years. Maurel left the Socialist Party in 2018, citing disagreements over policy and strategy. He emphasized that his campaign will focus on "halting French decline" and "protecting workers," reflecting concerns about economic stagnation and labor rights. His entry into the primary adds another voice to the left-wing political landscape, which is currently fragmented among various parties and groups. Maurel is the seventh declared candidate for this primary, which is being organized jointly by the Socialist Party and the political group Place publique. Other notable candidates include Raphaël Glucksmann, the leader of Place publique; Olivier Faure, the head of the Socialist Party; socialist deputies Philippe Brun and Jérôme Guedj; former presidential candidate Ségolène Royal; and Fabien Verdier, a former mayor who announced his candidacy on Thursday. Each candidate must secure a minimum number of endorsements from party members or affiliated groups to be eligible for the primary. The primary process will take place in two rounds, with the first round scheduled for October 9-10 and the second for October 16-17. The winner of the primary will be the official Social Democratic candidate for the 2027 presidential election, representing the left in a highly competitive political landscape.