French left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has outlined his political platform for the 2027 presidential election, pledging a sweeping change in domestic and foreign policy and placing support for Palestine and opposition to Israel's military aggression at the centre of his international agenda.

Addressing a crowd of around 20,000 supporters at a rally in Le Bourget, north of Paris, the leader of the France Unbowed party called for a profound political transformation, arguing that France must break with policies that have contributed to mounting social, economic and political crises.

Mélenchon presented his proposals as practical solutions to the country's problems, while portraying the upcoming presidential election as a decisive contest between a left-wing programme based on equality and social justice and a far-right political agenda.

He began his address by dedicating the gathering to the Palestinian people, who continue to endure Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. Expressing solidarity with Palestinians and their struggle for freedom, he pledged to pursue measures to end the genocide and oppose Israel's attempts to gradually annex occupied Palestinian territory.

The French politician also condemned expansionist ambitions targeting southern Lebanon and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, stressing the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries across the region.

As part of his proposed foreign policy, Mélenchon raised the possibility of deploying French naval vessels to accompany civilian flotillas in areas facing security threats. He also called for international action to protect civilians in Palestine and Lebanon, particularly communities enduring siege conditions and continued Israeli military attacks.

The rally was also dedicated to victims of recent racist attacks in La Verrière and Trappes. Mélenchon urged French society to stand together against racism, hatred and violence, warning that far-right rhetoric threatens social cohesion and the principles of equality.

Turning to domestic affairs, Mélenchon launched a sharp criticism of President Emmanuel Macron's government, accusing it of relying on excessive force and harsh police practices in response to public demonstrations. He described the current political climate as marking the "death throes of Macronism."

He pointed to protests by high school students over the deterioration of the education system and university admissions arrangements, as well as wider public anger over the rising cost of living. According to Mélenchon, the demonstrations reflect growing frustration with policies that have failed to address economic hardship and social inequality.

Rejecting accusations that his party encourages violence, Mélenchon argued that public protests are a consequence of inequality and the government's failure to respond to citizens' demands. He pledged that France Unbowed would continue to represent disadvantaged communities and those demanding economic and social change.

Mélenchon also criticised far-right leader Marine Le Pen and her party, arguing that they offer no meaningful solutions to France's challenges and instead rely on anti-immigrant rhetoric and social division. He pledged to challenge the far right in the 2027 presidential race.

On the war in Ukraine, Mélenchon promised to pursue diplomatic initiatives to bring the conflict to an end if elected president. He called for Europe to play a more independent role in peace negotiations rather than remain dependent on external powers.

Addressing the future of the Donbas region, he invoked the principle of self-determination, arguing that any settlement involving territorial arrangements must take account of the wishes of the people concerned.

Mélenchon concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the proposals presented at the rally, saying that France should reclaim a leading role in defending human rights, social justice and international causes.

His remarks signal an early effort to define the political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Palestine, France's social challenges, relations with the far right and Europe's role in international conflicts featuring prominently in his campaign agenda. (ILKHA)