Candidates avoid door-to-door campaigning

French presidential candidates are largely avoiding direct, in-person campaigning as the election nears, choosing instead to focus on meetings, television appearances, and press interviews. This approach contrasts with the extensive grassroots efforts seen in past campaigns, such as Nicolas Sarkozy’s 2007 run, where he engaged directly with voters.

Mélenchon and others use alternative strategies

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France insoumise, has primarily relied on social media and large public gatherings, such as the one in Clermont-Ferrand in early October. Édouard Philippe, candidate for Horizons, recently visited Charleville-Mézières to discuss family policies, while Marine Le Pen, representing RN, has been relatively discreet on the ground since her last visit in Hénin-Beaumont in September 2022, preferring to focus on party events.

Concerns about safety and public reaction

Henri Guaino, a former advisor to Sarkozy, and Bruno Millienne, a former communications advisor to François Bayrou, suggest that the current political climate makes direct voter engagement risky, citing the potential for negative imagery and public hostility. Raphaël Glucksmann, a candidate from the social-democratic camp, has faced disruptions during his campaign visits, which he attributes to organized hostility from La France insoumise.

Security and resource management

Campaigners also cite the need to conserve energy and resources, as the presidential campaign is described as draining. Benoît Hamon, the 2017 socialist candidate, emphasized the importance of rest after the first round. Patrick Mennucci, a former campaign director, noted that candidates often save their energy for the final weeks of the campaign.

Gabriel Attal’s outreach efforts

Gabriel Attal, the Renaissance candidate, has been an exception, consistently engaging with the public through initiatives like "1,000 bistros," where he met voters in cafes. However, this has not significantly boosted his poll numbers. Polls indicate that candidates like Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who have not held political office, are leading in the polls, with Le Pen at 31-33.5% and Mélenchon at 15.5-16.5% in recent surveys.

Unpredictable events could shift momentum

Despite the current caution, historian David Bellamy suggests that unexpected events could energize the campaign. Emmanuel Macron, despite leading in polls, took a risk by visiting a factory in Amiens, engaging with workers despite potential backlash. His actions were seen as courageous, though they caused discomfort among his security team. Whether such bold moves will be repeated this year remains uncertain.