By Marion Mourgue Posted 3 hours ago, Updated 15 minutes ago Bruno Retailleau, in June 2021, in Paris. Jean-Christophe MARMARA / Le Figaro EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW – The president of the LR group in the Senate believes that “everything will have to be changed” and “refound a new party”. LE FIGARO. – You encouraged Laurent Wauquiez to be a candidate for the presidency of LR. He made another choice. And you? Will you be a candidate to animate the movement? Bruno RETAILLEAU. – Yes, I will be a candidate for the presidency of the Republicans. I consider that Laurent Wauquiez had all the qualities to chair our movement but, in his absence, many asked me to introduce myself. I am not lacking in responsibility, but I am not a man to shirk. Is this compatible with the presidency of the LR group in the Senate? It is not only compatible but desirable. Today, Parliament is back at the center of public debate. That the president of the first right-wing parliamentary group also chairs the party is a guarantee of coherence and clarity. How should we understand your candidacy? First, I am not a candidate against anyone. Éric Ciotti and Aurélien Pradié have every right to present themselves. But this election must not turn into a face-to-face between… This article is for subscribers only. You have 88% left to discover. Cultivating your freedom means cultivating your curiosity. Non-binding subscription Already a subscriber? Login