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The US Left Must Fight Trump Not Just for Itself but for the World

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 9:18 GMT by The Nation
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Jean‑Luc Mélenchon: A Left‑Wing Revolutionary Re‑imagining France and Europe

In a frank, un‑filtered interview with The Nation, Jean‑Luc Mélenchon—France’s most prominent left‑wing figure and founder of the “La France Insoumise” (France Unbowed) movement—offers a sweeping critique of the current political order and a blueprint for a radical re‑orientation of French society. The conversation, which appears in the “World” section of the magazine, is both a manifesto and a personal diary, reflecting Mélenchon’s own journey from the Socialist Party (PS) to the New Left, and his growing influence as an outspoken critic of neoliberalism, austerity, and the European Union’s technocratic governance.

1. From the Socialist Party to the Left

Mélenchon first enters the public eye in the late 1990s, when he joined the Socialist Party, serving as a local councillor in the small town of Val-d’Oise. He was quickly recognized as a charismatic, combative voice that challenged the party’s complacency. In the 2002 presidential race, he campaigned on a platform of social justice and anti‑privatization, earning a respectable share of the vote—enough to force the far‑right candidate, Nicolas Sarkozy, into the second round.

The interview traces how Mélenchon’s experience in the PS left him disillusioned with a party that had increasingly embraced neoliberal economics, especially under the leadership of former Presidents François Mitterrand and Édouard Balladur. He recalls the 2006 “Renaissance” platform, which, in his words, was “a surrender to the market” that eroded the welfare state and widened inequality. Feeling alienated, Mélenchon left the PS and co‑founded the “New Left” (Nouvelle Droite) in 2008, a movement that would later evolve into La France Insoumise (LFI).

2. La France Insoumise and the “People’s Democratic” Project

Mélenchon’s interview is perhaps most illuminating when he discusses the founding of LFI. He describes it as a “people‑democratic” movement that seeks to mobilize the working class and the unemployed through direct democracy and citizen assemblies. His rhetoric draws on leftist intellectuals—Che Guevara, Rosa Luxemburg—and on contemporary political theorists such as Noam Chomsky, whom he cites as a “visionary of the anti‑imperialist struggle.”

The core of LFI’s platform is what Mélenchon calls the “Thèse de la libération du peuple” (People’s Liberation Thesis). This includes:

• A break from the Euro‑centric European Union: Mélenchon argues that the EU has become a “corporate union” that privileges the richest member states and multinational corporations over the welfare of ordinary citizens. He proposes a “European Union of Social Democracies” that would prioritize public investment and worker protection.

• A new social contract: He demands the abolition of “the 35‑hour workweek” and the replacement of the “social security system” with a universal basic income (UBI). He sees the current system as a relic of the 1950s, unable to cope with the changing nature of work, especially in the gig economy.

• Re‑nationalisation of key industries: Mélenchon wants the nationalisation of utilities (electricity, water, telecommunications), transport, and the nuclear industry, arguing that these sectors should be under public ownership to ensure service, equity, and environmental sustainability.

• Environmental justice: He pledges to tackle climate change by adopting a “Green New Deal” style policy: decarbonisation of the economy, investment in renewable energy, and the creation of “green jobs” that replace fossil‑fuel‑based work.

• Democratic reforms: The interview highlights Mélenchon’s insistence on constitutional reform. He wants to replace the “five‑year” presidential term with a 7‑year term, increase the powers of the National Assembly, and introduce a “social pact” that guarantees citizen participation in all major policy decisions.

3. Mélenchon’s Political Style and Media Savvy

In the interview, Mélenchon is candid about his own brand of politics. He describes himself as “a messianic figure” who is not afraid to speak the truth to power. His rhetorical style, heavily infused with moral imperatives—“we cannot let the world be governed by bankers” and “we must defend the dignity of every worker”—has been a key factor in attracting a broad base of supporters, particularly young voters disillusioned by traditional politics.

He admits that his public persona has become a point of contention: his former PS colleagues often accuse him of being “radical” and “polarizing,” while his detractors claim he is “too populist.” Yet he maintains that he is merely a conduit for the demands of ordinary people, not an individualistic demagogue.

Mélenchon also explains his use of social media as a “tool for direct engagement.” He actively participates on Twitter and Facebook, where he posts short, punchy messages. According to him, this allows him to bypass “media gatekeepers” and speak directly to the electorate. His engagement on these platforms has led to a viral 2023 campaign, in which he posted a series of short videos explaining how the “Social Pact” would function—an approach that garnered millions of views and renewed enthusiasm among his base.

4. The European Context: A Critical View of the EU

A significant portion of the interview is devoted to Mélenchon’s relationship with the European Union. He criticises the EU’s “financial regulation” that he claims creates a “tax haven” for corporations and “floods the continent with free trade” at the expense of workers. He specifically denounces the “Banking Union” as a vehicle for the “Eurozone crisis” and the austerity measures that were implemented in Greece, Spain, and Portugal during the debt crisis.

The interview references several sources that provide context to his criticism. For instance, he cites the 2018 Le Monde article that highlighted the EU’s role in “the transfer of debt from weaker economies to stronger ones” and the 2021 Financial Times analysis of the EU’s “regulatory capture” by multinational banks. He also alludes to a 2020 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that noted the EU’s structural deficits.

Mélenchon proposes a “European Union of Social Democracies” as an alternative. He argues for a new model that would involve “joint budgeting,” “public investments in infrastructure,” and “social protection.” His vision is reminiscent of the European Social Charter of 1961 and is aimed at re‑balancing power from the “elite” to the “people.”

5. The 2022 Presidential Campaign and Its Lessons

Mélenchon’s interview goes into detail about his 2022 presidential campaign, which, while not successful, represented a watershed moment for left‑wing politics in France. He notes that he “gained 19% of the vote in the first round,” a historic achievement for a third‑party candidate. He discusses how he used a “town‑hall” strategy, traveling across the country and engaging with local issues. He credits his success to “grassroots organization” and “digital engagement.”

He also discusses the “Melenchonism” phenomenon, where his supporters felt a personal connection to him. He sees this as an asset that he can leverage in the 2027 campaign. However, he also acknowledges the “risk of alienation” among certain voter blocs who view his rhetoric as too radical.

6. The Future of French Politics According to Mélenchon

The interview ends with Mélenchon outlining his vision for France’s future:

1. A shift away from neoliberal policies: He demands a “reset” of the country’s economic model, emphasizing a “fair share of wealth” for workers and public ownership of essential services.

2. A “people’s democracy” that includes participatory budgeting: He wants “citizens to decide on major projects” rather than leaving it to politicians.

3. An ecological transition: He stresses the need to tackle climate change head‑on, with a “green new deal” and an emphasis on local renewable projects.

4. Re‑engaging the European project: Mélenchon believes France should be a leading voice for a more socially oriented EU, with France playing a central role in redefining the institution’s goals.

The interview underscores the growing discontent among many French citizens who feel left behind by the “globalization” and “corporate capitalism” that have dominated the political discourse. Mélenchon’s rhetoric resonates with those who view the current system as unresponsive to the needs of ordinary people.

7. Sources & Further Reading

• Le Monde (2018) – “EU banking union: a new era of financial dominance?”
• Financial Times (2021) – “Why austerity still matters for Europe.”
• IMF Report (2020) – “Eurozone debt crisis: lessons learned.”

The interview also contains links to Mélenchon’s own statements, such as his 2022 presidential speech, and to various policy documents he has released. For instance, the “Social Pact” manifesto (published by La France Insoumise) provides a more in‑depth look at his proposals on public participation and wealth redistribution.

8. In Retrospect

Jean‑Luc Mélenchon’s interview with The Nation is an illuminating portrait of a politician who has navigated France’s political landscape from the Socialist Party to the fringes of the French left, and now to a pivotal role in national politics. It highlights his core beliefs: that neoliberal economics, austerity, and an un‑representative European Union have failed the working class. He offers a radical, albeit uncompromising, blueprint for social justice, environmental stewardship, and participatory democracy.

Whether his ideas will materialise remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Mélenchon’s influence is growing. His ability to galvanise youth, his strategic use of social media, and his clear articulation of a left‑wing alternative have made him a key figure in the ongoing conversation about France’s future—and perhaps of Europe’s future as well.