Jean-Luc Melenchon unveiled his 2027 presidential programme at a rally in Le Bourget, pledging a stimulus-led economic revival and a gradual French exit from NATO. His manifesto pledges to repeal Macron's pension overhaul and raise the minimum wage. Polls show him reaching the April runoff but losing it.
Jean-Luc Melenchon unveiled his 2027 presidential programme on Saturday at a rally in the northern Paris suburb of Le Bourget, criticising NATO and pledging an economic stimulus-led revival. He said his France Unbowed (LFI) party would do the opposite of President Emmanuel Macron.
Stimulus built on consumer spending and savings
Melenchon told some 17,000 supporters, according to campaign director Manuel Bompard, that stimulus would come first through consumer spending and second through billions of euros that already exist. He said those savings must be channelled towards the country's ecological and social needs.
The manifesto, titled "L'Avenir en commun," is the fifth edition of LFI's programme. It largely reaffirms policies behind Melenchon's previous presidential bids.
Pensions, wages and prices
Among its flagship pledges, the programme would repeal Macron's pension overhaul, which gradually raised the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64. LFI says it would restore retirement at 60 for people who have contributed for 40 years.
For the cost-of-living crisis, Melenchon called for measures to freeze prices, raise the minimum wage and index wages to inflation. The programme would lift the net monthly minimum wage to €1,700 ($1,890) from around €1,480. It would also abolish the flat tax on capital income, raise taxes on the wealthiest households and cap prices for essential foods.
NATO exit and a phase-out of nuclear power
On foreign policy, the programme calls for France's gradual withdrawal from NATO, beginning with an exit from the alliance's integrated military command. According to Reuters, Melenchon said: "We have no business being in NATO, nor in American wars".
The manifesto also backs a gradual phase-out of nuclear power for a fully renewable electricity system. It would scrap the planned EPR2 reactor programme and not extend the lifespan of nuclear plants beyond 60 years.
Melenchon, 75, is viewed as the strongest contender on the left. Recent opinion polls show him reaching the presidential runoff next April against Marine Le Pen of the far right, but indicate he would lose in the second round.
Source: Reuters via Investing.com
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