‘Radical’ or ‘hero’?: France debates leftist candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon
Summary
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed, has gained support among protesters and emerged as a leading left-wing contender ahead of France’s next presidential election. His proposals include higher public spending, tax increases on the wealthy, a lower retirement age and a more confrontational approach to some European Union rules; critics question their feasibility and economic risks.Key Facts
- Mélenchon planned to present his programme at a rally in Le Bourget, north of Paris.
- He proposes lowering the retirement age to 60 and raising the monthly minimum wage to 1,700 euros.
- His programme calls for France to leave NATO and renationalise parts of the economy.
- He wants the European Central Bank to turn French debt it holds into a permanent, interest-free loan.
- Mélenchon says France should remain in the European Union but reject rules that conflict with its social, environmental or economic plans.
- France Unbowed says higher taxes on wealthy people and corporations would fund its spending plans, including a minimum 2 percent tax on billionaires’ wealth.
- The article says protests that began with students grew to include people concerned about public services, living costs and uncertain futures.
- Critics warn that the proposals could unsettle investors and raise France’s borrowing costs.
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