David Lisnard, the mayor of Cannes, has become the surprise story of France’s 2027 presidential race. Called the “French Milei,” he left the center-right Republicans to run under his own liberal banner, New Energy. His popularity has grown rapidly, with Harris Interactive now measuring him at 9% support in the polls, ahead of his former party’s presidential nominee.

Lisnard says he would cut $224 billion from public spending, reducing payroll taxes in kind. In a country which has long regarded its welfare state with near religious devotion, his plan borders on heresy. Lisnard argues smaller government makes working people richer.

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