Les think tanks musclent leur jeu en vue de 2027

Les think tanks are gearing up for the 2027 presidential campaign, releasing a barrage of bold proposals in the run-up to the election. The Institut Montaigne, a liberal think tank with a substantial budget, will publish twenty-five thematic notes on October 6th and receive several campaign directors throughout the autumn. The Institut de l'entreprise will release its recommendations on education on September 10th and the Institut Rousseau on October 12th, both of which have prominent members on their boards.

Shift Project's "robust" plan for the French economy will be presented on October 14th. The Institute Avant-garde will unveil its ideas on financing transitions this week in Le Nouvel Obs, where they have an exclusive. The exercise of releasing proposals is an essential step for these reflection clubs that operate between academia, economics, and high public service, all seeking to demonstrate their influential power.

Some think tanks have previously marked presidential campaigns, such as the "produce in France" theme defended by the Concorde foundation in 2011, Terra Nova's primary claim, the "golden rule" by Fondapol, and the division of classes in popular neighborhoods suggested by Institut Montaigne during Macron's 2016 campaign. In the context of a highly polarized media and political debate, conservative or far-right idea labs are taking an increasingly prominent role.

The Orion circle sees the campaign as an opportunity to "reopen the battle of ideas" and the Institute of Hope, founded by Vincent Bolloré, is finalizing its manifesto ahead of the autumn. The Immigration and Demography Observatory has prepared a project on constitutional revision, while the Franco-Belgian Institute Thomas More has already compiled its list of "50 decisions that have drained France" over the past five decades.

The tone of the new entrants, Hexagone and Hémisphère Droite, is also conservative. These structures are funded by Périclès, Pierre-Edouard Stérin's influence organ, described as a "nurture ground for metapolitical initiatives" by General Director Arnaud Rérolle. In response to the dominance of themes imposed by the National Rally and La France Insoumise, the production of ideas is simultaneously a cultural battle.

However, moderates are not left out: several think tanks have already joined a rare collective forum to act as a "primary tool of stability and moderation," as the public debate becomes increasingly electrified, fueled by "new diktats of political communication." Institut Montaigne, Institut Terram, Fabrique de l'Industrie, and Robert-Schuman Foundation were among the signatories.

Thierry Pech, who leads Terra Nova, explains that "counterarguments" will be prepared for the most contested propositions of the National Rally, such as analyzing their euro deputies' votes. However, he warns, "The producers of ideas are either shaken or lack ideas, or are completely ideologized in a form of radicalism." Dominique Reynié, a liberal who has been running for president for the fourth time, laments the current state of affairs, stating that "When you have proposals and figures everywhere, you don't remember anything."

Timing also counts: "To have real influence, you have to do it early. Our role is to sharpen candidates' ability to comprehend problems," Thierry Pech asserts. Ifrap, Institut Montaigne, and Institut de l'entreprise have all discussed their "XXL fiscal deal" proposal with Edouard Philippe's team, featuring a 50 billion euro tax reduction on production and an equivalent reduction in public subsidies to companies.

Pierre-André de Chalendar, its president, has recently gathered Bruno Retailleau, Gabriel Attal, and Raphaël Glucksmann around a breakfast attended by around thirty executives. The meeting with Edouard Philippe will take place on September 29th, with discussions revolving around norms, production taxes, and political strategy. An unavoidable question remains: "How will you ensure that…"