One of the most polarizing figures in French politics, Mélenchon narrowly missed the runoff in the last two presidential elections.
Victor Goury-Laffont
PARIS — Jean-Luc Mélenchon announced his fourth run for French president on Sunday, becoming one of the highest-profile candidates to formally join the race to replace term-limited Emmanuel Macron next year.
“Yes, I am a candidate,” the 74-year-old leftist said in an interview with French broadcaster TF1, describing himself as best suited to face “an agitated season in global history” — pointing to geopolitical, economic and environmental risks.
Mélenchon, who quit the center-left Socialist Party nearly two decades ago to push for a more radical brand of politics, was the best-placed left-wing candidate in the last two presidential elections, finishing a close third behind his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in 2022.
