Both candidates are actively mobilizing efforts to encourage former members to renew their memberships and attract new supporters through grassroots strategies.

Wauquiez is adopting bold proposals and extreme right rhetoric to resonate with the party's grassroots, despite trailing Retailleau in visibility and popularity.

The upcoming election for the presidency of the French political party Les Républicains (LR) features candidates Bruno Retailleau and Laurent Wauquiez, with a membership deadline that recently passed on April 17, 2025.

With over 109,000 members eligible to vote, this election marks a significant increase in participation compared to previous internal elections, reflecting renewed enthusiasm among right-wing supporters.

Although the current membership is higher than the last election in 2022, it remains below historical highs, such as the 175,000 members during the intense rivalry between Copé and Fillon in 2012.

To bolster his campaign, Wauquiez has intensified his criticisms of the current government, aiming to connect with voters on pressing issues.

Retailleau has expressed confidence in his chances, stating he would feel assured of victory if the election were held soon.

The recent surge in membership is viewed as a positive development for a party that has struggled for nearly fifteen years, indicating a shift away from a 'mortifying spiral'.

The party's leadership is implementing a verification process to ensure the legitimacy of new memberships, aiming to avoid issues like phantom members that plagued past elections.

Detailed membership data will soon be released by department, providing insight into the support each candidate has based on local federation leaders.

Les Républicains have faced significant challenges since the 2022 presidential election, where they garnered less than 5% of the vote, and are now looking to rebuild under new leadership.

The outcome of this internal election on May 17 and 18, 2025, is crucial for both candidates, as a failure could severely impact their ambitions for the presidency.