Fabien Roussel, the national secretary of the French Communist Party (PCF), is launching his campaign for the French presidency this weekend at the Fête de l'Humanité in Brétigny-sur-Orge, Essonne. Roussel previously ran for president in 2022 and received 2.28% of the vote in the first round. This time, he aims to establish his identity by promoting themes of peace and energy, despite calls for unity among left-wing parties. Roussel stated that "France is ready to strongly vote for candidates who have not been involved in the machinations of macronism," referring to the policies of President Emmanuel Macron. Roussel plans to debate Patrick Martin, president of the Medef (the French employers' federation), on Friday, September 11, and will address the main stage on Saturday. He believes the current political and economic situation is different from 2022 and that the PCF can avoid repeating its previous electoral failure. The party's themes will focus on peace and the battle for energy, which Roussel claims is also a battle for purchasing power. He called on TotalEnergies, a major French energy company, to reduce fuel prices by 30 to 50 cents, threatening "sanction nationalization" if the company refuses. Roussel urged French citizens to "occupy roundabouts, gather in front of sub-prefectures, in front of the Élysée, the headquarters of Total and Rubis" to demand immediate price reductions. He aims to unite the people, responding to those who prefer the PCF to support Jean-Luc Mélenchon's candidacy, as in previous years. Léon Deffontaines, spokesperson for the PCF, stated that the party is the only one speaking to workers, those who no longer vote, and those who vote for the National Rally (RN), a far-right party. He argued that the New Popular Front, a left-wing alliance, has lost, especially in working-class constituencies, and that Roussel's candidacy could expand the left's electoral base, currently at 31-32%. Yannick Monnet, a deputy from the Left Democrats and Republicans, believes Roussel can reclaim part of the lost electorate, noting that Roussel can speak to the rural world. PCF senator Ian Brossat, who will be the campaign director, emphasized a focus on tax evasion and a "very class struggle campaign." However, Stéphane Peu, president of the communist deputies, expressed skepticism about Roussel's isolated candidacy, stating he respects the militants' decision but does not agree with it. He recalled that in 2022, he did not support any candidacy. Manuel Bompard, a deputy from La France insoumise, preferred the communists to align behind Mélenchon's candidacy, arguing that unity would have been stronger. Both Roussel and Mélenchon are present at the Fête de l'Humanité, with Roussel scheduled to speak on the main stage at 5:40 p.m. on Saturday, while Mélenchon will speak from the La France insoumise stand at 4 p.m.