Villepin launches his own party, called Humanist France

" I decided to create a movement of ideas, of citizens, through the creation of a political party ," he declared in an interview with Le Parisien, specifying that it was a " movement open to all " already having " several dozen local branches ."

" We need to bring together all French people to defend social justice and republican order ," he added.

Denouncing a " constant logic of one-upmanship " on the part of politicians, Dominique de Villepin, 71, affirmed that he was returning to the forefront so that the French would not be " prisoners of a divide between the radicalism of LFI and that of the RN ."

" I am not in favor of overbidding, neither in terms of security nor budget, but rather a policy of balance and moderation ," he insisted.

He, who was also Minister of the Interior (2004-2005), also took a swipe at the current occupant of the post, who is also considered a serious candidate in 2027.

" Take the Algeria crisis: Bruno Retailleau should address his responsibility, which is the safety of the French people and sending back the OQTFs who pose a danger ," he said. " For that, we need more professionalism and less over-the-top talk on TV. "

Assuring that obtaining the 500 signatures necessary to be a presidential candidate " will not be an obstacle " in view of " all the support and encouragement " already received, he assured that he was " for restoring the presidential function, for a head of state as arbiter, guarantor of institutions and inspirer of the nation ."

" Since leaving Matignon in 2007, I have had 18 years to reflect, learn lessons, and forget all pride and personal ambition ," he added.

The new party, which will be free to join, will be led by the UDI mayor of Garges-lès-Gonesse (Val-d'Oise), Benoît Jimenez, Mr. Villepin said.

" We will use the summer to structure ourselves ," he added.