Jean-Luc Melenchon Launches Leftist 2027 Presidential Platform
Jean-Luc Melenchon unveiled a manifesto proposing a 1,700 euro minimum wage, a lower retirement age, and France's withdrawal from NATO.
Hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon launched his 2027 election programme, L’Avenir en commun, at a rally in Le Bourget on Saturday. The France Unbowed (LFI) manifesto proposes raising the net monthly minimum wage to €1,700 and restoring the retirement age to 60 for those with 40 years of contributions, which would repeal the pension reforms of President Emmanuel Macron.
Economic proposals include abolishing the flat tax on capital income, increasing taxes on wealthy households and corporations, and capping essential food prices. Melenchon also suggested transforming national debt held by the European Central Bank into permanent interest-free loans. On foreign policy, the platform advocates for France's gradual withdrawal from NATO, the suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, and a new European security framework that includes Russia.
Environmental pledges focus on a phase-out of nuclear power by 2060 and the cancellation of the EPR2 reactor programme. These proposals come amid significant social unrest, with up to 1.6 million people marching across France on Thursday to demand better public services and higher wages.
Opponents reacted sharply to the platform. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu characterized the debt proposal as theft, while Marine Le Pen of the National Rally described the manifesto as a plan to dismantle France. Despite polling between 17.5% and 18%, analysts suggest Melenchon would trail Le Pen significantly in a run-off election.
