On October 8, Gilles Platret, the mayor of Chalon-sur-Saône, formally announced his bid for the 2027 French presidential election during a public gathering titled "Let's Talk About France." The event took place in the salons of the Colisée, a multi-purpose hall in the city that also serves as a basketball venue. Around 600 people attended the meeting, where Platret, a member of the diverse right wing of French politics, shared his views on the country's current state. He warned of potential civil unrest and a lack of clear values in French society. He also addressed topics such as Islamism and the integration of immigrants into French culture, using various indicators like agricultural output, education levels, trade, and national debt to support his arguments. Platret proposed several policy changes, including ending the 35-hour workweek, restoring traditional national borders, and removing certain mandates from people he refers to as "enemies of the interior." These ideas reflect his broader vision for France, which emphasizes national sovereignty and cultural identity. To qualify for the presidential race, Platret must secure 500 endorsements from local officials. He plans to begin his campaign in Brittany next week, traveling across the country to gather support. At 53 years old, Platret has been the mayor of Chalon-sur-Saône since 2014 and has served on the regional council of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté since 2016. A former member of the UMP and later the Republicans, he joined the diverse right wing in 2024. He was re-elected as mayor in March 2024 and is now making his first run for a national election. Previously, he had contested three legislative elections but was not elected. As of October 8, thirty-one candidates have officially declared their candidacy for the 2027 presidential election, indicating a competitive political landscape ahead. Platret's entry into the race adds another voice to the ongoing debate over France's future direction, particularly among those who prioritize traditional values and national identity.