Mélenchon backs Gen Z school protests ahead of French election
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 20:48 · Archive
French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon has celebrated high school students protesting over school conditions in France.
French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon celebrated high school students whose protest movement has shaken France on Sunday at a campaign rally. He called for lowering the voting age to 16 and ending selective admission to universities. The fiery anti-capitalist also took aim at U.S. President Donald Trump, NATO and the global financial system in a sweeping speech to thousands of supporters.
The nationwide high school protest movement centres on deteriorating school buildings, teacher shortages and inequalities hurting schools in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The movement has energised young voters, who may prove key to the election outcome. At times the protests have turned violent, with police making more than 6,600 arrests and hundreds injured, including students, teachers and police.
The election will take place in April and May next year. President Emmanuel Macron is finishing his second term and cannot run again, making the election a turning point for France and Europe. At this stage, polls suggest Mélenchon and centre-right candidate Édouard Philippe are behind far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, but ahead of other hopefuls.
How it is being reported
- France's far-left presidential candidate cheers Gen Z school protestsFrench far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon is celebrating Gen Z protesters driving a school movement shaking France.News4Jax · 11 Oct, 20:10
- France's far-left presidential candidate cheers Gen Z school protestsFrench far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon is celebrating Gen Z protesters driving a school movement shaking France.Clickorlando · 11 Oct, 20:10
In this story: Jean-Luc Mélenchon · Emmanuel Macron · Marine Le Pen · Édouard Philippe · France
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