Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the veteran leader of France's far-left movement, formally launched his bid for the 2027 presidential election on Saturday. In a speech marking the start of his campaign, the 75-year-old politician detailed a comprehensive plan that includes raising the national minimum wage, capping the prices of essential food items, and returning the standard retirement age to 60.
Current opinion polls position Mélenchon as the strongest candidate on the left. Surveys suggest he is likely to reach the second round of next April's election, where he would face the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. However, these same polls indicate that he is currently projected to lose in that final head-to-head contest.
The political platform, titled L'Avenir en commun, which translates to A Shared Future, represents the fifth edition of the manifesto for his party, France Unbowed. The document largely reaffirms the core policies that have defined Mélenchon's previous presidential attempts, serving as a continuation of his long-standing political agenda.
A central pillar of the new programme is the repeal of President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms. Those measures gradually increased the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 in an effort to strengthen public finances. In contrast, France Unbowed proposes to allow individuals who have contributed to the social security system for 40 years to retire at the age of 60.
Economic measures in the manifesto include a significant increase to the net monthly minimum wage, which would rise from approximately 1,480 euros to 1,700 euros. The plan also calls for the abolition of the flat tax on capital income and introduces higher tax rates for the wealthiest households. Additionally, the party intends to implement price caps on essential food products to help manage the cost of living.
Regarding energy policy, the programme reiterates support for a gradual phase-out of nuclear power. This transition aims to establish a fully renewable electricity system. Specific actions include scrapping the planned EPR2 reactor programme and ensuring that the lifespan of existing nuclear plants is not extended beyond 60 years.
On the international stage, Mélenchon's platform maintains his long-standing criticism of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The candidate calls for France to gradually withdraw from the military alliance, a process that would begin with an exit from its integrated military command. France previously left this command structure in 1966 under President Charles de Gaulle, a decision that was reversed in 2009 by right-wing President Nicolas Sarkozy.
The manifesto also addresses European economic dynamics, specifically criticizing the influence of Germany on EU policy. The document describes Berlin as the primary defender of ordoliberalism, an economic philosophy that prioritizes strict budget rules, price stability, and independent monetary policy.
Finally, the programme advocates for a more interventionist role for the state in the economy. This includes measures designed to protect domestic industry and encourage the relocation of production back to France, aiming to strengthen the national economic base.
