Who is Jean-Luc Melenchon? French leftist leader defiant after victory

Firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon demands alliance he’s in should get to govern after left-wing election win

Reading Time:2 minutes

Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:26am, 8 Jul 2024Updated: 8:49am, 8 Jul 2024

It did not take Jean-Luc Melenchon long to seize the moment after initial poll indications of the French legislative vote showed the leftist New Popular Front was headed to a shock victory.

Before other leaders of that alliance – which includes his own far-left France Unbowed, the Socialists and the Greens – could get a word in, Melenchon took centre stage at a gathering of followers, demanding that it should be called on to govern the country.

He also declared that the New Popular Front will not entertain “combinations” and will refuse negotiations with other groups.

“The NFP will implement its programme,” Melenchon told supporters on Sunday. “Nothing but its programme. All of its programme.”

The alliance has promised a major increase in public spending, a boost to the minimum wage and a cut in the retirement age – measures that would provoke a major clash with the European Union. The Institut Montaigne estimates that the New Popular Front’s campaign pledges would require nearly €179 billion (US$194 billion) in extra funds per year.

A crowd at Republique Square in Paris following the first results of the second round of France’s legislative election. Photo: AFP

The leftist alliance is poised to get between 172 and 210 seats in the National Assembly, according to early projections – still far short of the 289 required for an absolute majority.