Gérard Larcher, the President of the French Senate, expressed confidence that Bruno Retailleau is capable of leading the country, although he emphasizes the need to focus on upcoming municipal elections first. Larcher acknowledges criticism of the Republican party’s shift towards far-right ideologies, notably from former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin. While conceding some ideological overlap, Larcher insists there are fundamental differences between Retailleau’s views and those of far-right leaders like Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, highlighting a strategic aim to win back voters from diverse political backgrounds.