Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a 74-year-old radical socialist, has captured the hearts of France's Gen Z with his promise of a 'citizens' revolution' and a more inclusive, anti-racist world.
The firebrand politician, who has tried to win the presidency three times, has built a massive following on TikTok and has won mayoral elections in several towns, including Saint-Denis and Roubaix.
Mélenchon's party, Unsubmissive France (LFI), sits to the left of the Socialist, Green, and Communist parties and advocates for a 'new republic' under a fresh constitution, with a less presidential regime to end 'monarchical' rule.
He promises to share wealth 'between capital and labour', leave NATO, seek accommodation with Russia, and breach European Union rules if necessary.
While polls suggest he may not win the presidential vote next year, Mélenchon's appeal lies in his ability to speak to a fretful younger generation, promising to focus on humanity, banish racism, and make the world fairer.
With a 'magic mix' of educated young voters, ethnic minorities, and those living in social housing, Mélenchon has built an electoral base that could potentially boost the chances of the populist-right candidate in the run-off.
