Hard-left presidential candidate's plan to cancel French debt sparks backlash

PARIS, Aug 26 - France's political class has been roiled in recent years by its attempts to rein in the country's increasingly heavy debt load. Far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon has a simple but highly divisive idea: cancel it.

The divisive radical left 75-year-old leader of La France Insoumise (LFI) would advance to the second round against far-right Marine Le Pen in three of five possible first-round scenarios, a poll has found.

The divisive radical left 75-year-old leader of La France Insoumise (LFI) would advance to the second round against far-right Marine Le Pen in three of five possible first-round scenarios, a poll has found.

Survey shows battle of political extremes becoming increasingly likely.

Eight months before the presidential election, Jean-Luc Mélenchon is surging in the polls. The LFI leader could now reach the run-off, while the left is split between his bid and the alternative championed by Raphaël Glucksmann.

French far-left leader Melenchon seen reaching presidential runoff, poll shows  Reuters

French centre-left MEP Glucksmann launches presidential bid  euractiv.com

European Union lawmaker Raphael Glucksmann will participate in a primary vote organized by the Socialist party this year to pick its candidate for the 2027 French presidential election.