Mélenchon Before 20,000 Supporters: Call for Comprehensive Change, Support for Palestine, and Anti-Racism

The city of Le Bourget in Seine-Saint-Denis witnessed a massive rally of more than 20,000 supporters of the "La France Insoumise" (LFI) movement, where presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon outlined his political platform in a speech lasting over an hour. The gathering opened with a minute of silence in tribute to the victims of a racist attack in the town of Trappes, in a clear rejection of discrimination and hate speech.

Call to Youth for Change and Education Reform

Mélenchon addressed a direct message to the youth who attended in large numbers, emphasizing that the current generation faces unprecedented civilizational and environmental crises, describing France as "our beloved homeland where we are all at home." He announced full support for student and youth movements demanding improved study and living conditions.

The leader of "La France Insoumise" pledged to end policies detrimental to public education, calling for the immediate abolition of digital university admission platforms such as "Parcoursup" and "Mon Master," describing them as unfair systems. He also adopted proposals to allocate 10 billion euros for rehabilitation, alongside lowering the voting age to 16 to grant young people an active voice in shaping their future.

Attack on Macron's Policies and the Far-Right

Mélenchon rejected calls to tone down his political rhetoric to attract additional voters, asserting that he would make no concessions that could demoralize the grassroots base. He launched a sharp attack against the policies of President Emmanuel Macron, stating that "ten years of Macronist liberal revolution have devastated the country, exhausted public services, and no longer command anyone's respect."

He also criticized the far-right "National Rally" party, pointing out that Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella have become, in his words, the fiercest opponents of citizens' social rights in France, particularly regarding tightening retirement conditions and dismantling the welfare state and essential public services relied upon by millions of residents.

Toward a Sixth Republic and a Binding Citizens' Referendum

On domestic political matters, Mélenchon renewed his call for the establishment of a "Sixth Republic" based on the principle of "permanent popular sovereignty." This proposal is founded on introducing the "Citizens' Initiative Referendum" (RIC), granting the general public direct legislative power, as well as the right to recall any elected official who fails to honor their commitments, including the President of the Republic himself.

Solidarity with Palestinians and International Policy Issues

On the international front, the "La France Insoumise" candidate emphasized that France under his leadership would act openly and directly to aid the Palestinian people, explaining: "We will act vigorously to come to the aid of the Palestinians, not only against the genocide in Gaza, but also against the creeping annexation of the West Bank."

Regarding other foreign policy files, Mélenchon called for gradual nuclear disarmament worldwide, stressing France's opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, asserting that nations must freely decide the fate of their territories without foreign military intervention.

Confronting Racism and Preserving Social Unity

Mélenchon concluded his speech by emphasizing the unity of the French people amid rising racism and religious intolerance, recalling historical periods of strife and religious persecution experienced by the country. He stressed that national cohesion faces an immediate threat from racial discrimination and the abandonment of vulnerable groups, calling for the building of a "new France" that guarantees full equality and upholds republican principles that safeguard individuals' freedom to lead their lives free from restriction or discrimination.