Far-left candidate praises student protests, calls for voting age cut

French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon praised high school students whose protest movement has shaken France, calling for a lower voting age and an end to selective university admissions. The protests, centered on deteriorating school buildings, teacher shortages, and inequalities hurting schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods, have drawn thousands of young participants.

Mélenchon also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, NATO, and the global financial system during a speech to his supporters, aiming to boost his campaign for next year’s presidential election. He emphasized the need for a more independent French foreign policy.

France’s Socialist Party selected Raphaël Glucksmann as its presidential candidate in a primary election marred by a cyberattack and divisions within the mainstream left. President Emmanuel Macron, who cannot run again, is finishing his second term, making next year’s election a turning point for France and Europe.

Polls indicate Mélenchon and center-right candidate Edouard Philippe are trailing far-right candidate Marine Le Pen but ahead of other contenders. The school protests have energized young voters, who may prove key to the election outcome.

The protest movement has led to over 6,600 arrests and hundreds of injuries, including students, teachers, and police. Mélenchon denied organizing the protests, stating his party supports peaceful demonstrations and wants the movement to remain peaceful.

Mélenchon invited student protesters to his rally in Clermont-Ferrand, calling their actions a sign of political and union maturity. He also proposed lowering the retirement age to 60 and canceling France’s debt. His campaign platform criticizes NATO membership and calls for better dialogue with Russia.