Key facts
- Jean-Luc Mélenchon urged supporters to join nationwide protests on Tuesday.
- The protests began last month over school funding and working conditions.
- Vandalism or arson incidents occurred at 24 protests last week.
- 400 to 500 high schools have seen blockades, about 10% of the total in France.
- Mélenchon denies encouraging violence and blames police for dispersing protests.
- A poll showed 47% of respondents younger than 35 planned to vote for Mélenchon.
Far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon has called on his supporters to participate in nationwide protests on Tuesday, in solidarity with students blockading high schools. Mélenchon's call comes despite accusations from the government and right-wing politicians that his rhetoric is inciting violence and unrest.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that vandalism or arson incidents occurred at 24 protests last week, and that blockades have taken place at 400 to 500 high schools, representing about 10% of the total in France. The protests initially began last month, with students and teachers demanding more funding and better working conditions for public education.
Mélenchon, in a video published Monday, dismissed accusations of inciting violence as "absurd" and instead blamed the police for their handling of protests. He views the current situation as a political opportunity to gain traction, particularly with younger voters, and to challenge the government's narrative. His party, France Unbowed, is seen by the government and intelligence agencies as having helped foment the student movement.
A Cluster17 poll indicated that 47% of respondents under 35 intended to vote for Mélenchon. The current political landscape shows him in a tight race to secure a spot in the presidential runoff, likely against Marine Le Pen. However, images of violence associated with the protests could potentially harm his broader appeal, as a recent poll found that while most respondents found the demonstrations justified, they disagreed with France Unbowed's strategy.