Presidential election 2027: Jean-Luc Mélenchon launches his campaign and outlines his priorities for France

Jean-Luc Mélenchon closed the summer school of La France insoumise in the Drôme on Sunday, August 23, with an offensive speech resolutely focused on the 2027 presidential election. In front of several thousand activists, the leader of La France insoumise asserted that "victory is possible," while detailing his economic, ecological and institutional priorities and multiplying attacks against Emmanuel Macron , the right and the National Rally.

From the outset of his speech, Jean-Luc Mélenchon sought to position La France Insoumise (LFI) as a forceful party ready to govern. "We are the serious and responsible people. They are the ones causing ruin and chaos," he declared. He promised to "restore order to public finances," notably through increased taxation of windfall profits, a boost to consumption via wage increases, greater public investment, and the elimination of tax loopholes he deemed ineffective. At the same time, he announced that LFI would censure the Lecornu government's 2027 budget proposal, which he accused of preparing further cuts likely to worsen the economic situation.

Ecology, civil security, and attacks against prefects

A large part of the speech was also devoted to environmental issues. Jean-Luc Mélenchon denounced the "ecological poisoning" resulting, according to him, from political decisions and promised to repeal the Duplomb law. He primarily proposed the creation of a "regional civil security guard," intended to bolster resources available for responding to fires and climate disasters. This reserve would be formed through a form of mandatory conscription and would then remain available for the lifetime of those trained.

The tone hardened considerably when he addressed the prefects. Demanding an "impartial state," the leader of La France Insoumise (LFI) ordered them not to treat elected officials as mere political interlocutors. "We are not your buddies!" he exclaimed, before reminding them that, in his view, members of parliament directly represent "the sovereign people." He also asserted his desire for a state in which no one is judged or treated differently based on their perceived political affiliation, address, or skin color.

On the international stage, Jean-Luc Mélenchon attacked Emmanuel Macron, whom he accused of aligning himself with "Trumpism," and denounced France's marginalization in major geopolitical upheavals. Domestically, he described a bloc stretching from Bruno Retailleau to Marine Le Pen , including Gabriel Attal, asserting that the right, center, and National Rally (RN) now converge on numerous issues. He notably accused Marine Le Pen of having "saved Macron" by abstaining from voting on certain motions of no confidence.

The speech concluded with a call to electoral mobilization. "The house of France, the house of the Republic, is falling apart and burning," Jean-Luc Mélenchon declared, asserting that, in his view, "there was no other solution than electoral victory." Refusing, however, to present himself as a "man of destiny," he called on each of his supporters to play their part in the campaign. The meeting ended with the Marseillaise , followed by the Internationale , while the crowd chanted "Mélenchon, Ballon d'Or!" and "Resistance!"