France’s Far-Left Leader Backs Gen Z Protests, Wants Voting Age Lowered To 16

French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon has praised the nationwide Gen Z school protests and proposed lowering the voting age to 16, as France’s education crisis and political divisions become central issues ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Addressing thousands of supporters at a campaign rally in Clermont-Ferrand on Sunday, Melenchon described the student movement as evidence of political and trade union maturity among young people. He also called for ending selective university admissions, arguing that education and knowledge should not be treated as commodities.

The protests, which began in mid-September, have been driven by concerns over deteriorating school buildings, teacher shortages and inequalities affecting disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Demonstrations have spread across France, with clashes, vandalism and allegations of excessive police force intensifying the unrest.

According to figures reported by French media, nearly 6,900 arrests had been recorded since the movement began, with minors accounting for most of those arrested. Hundreds of students, teachers and police officers have been injured. At least 24 high schools have suffered significant damage, while school administrators have reported threats, assaults and disruption to classes.

The government has announced urgent recruitment of substitute teachers and changes to school schedules, but protesters say the measures do not adequately address their grievances. Further demonstrations are planned for Tuesday and Saturday.

Melenchon, 75, making his fourth presidential bid, has denied that his France Unbowed party is organising the protests and said he wants demonstrations to remain peaceful. Critics accuse the party of exploiting the unrest for electoral advantage.

He also called for lowering the retirement age from 62 to 60, cancelling France’s public debt and pursuing a more independent foreign policy. Criticising US President Donald Trump over tariffs, Melenchon questioned France’s continued membership of NATO and called for greater dialogue with Russia.

The campaign comes as France’s political landscape shifts ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s departure from office. A poll published on Monday placed far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Melenchon at the front of the presidential race, highlighting growing political polarisation.

Meanwhile, Raphael Glucksmann won the centre-left’s presidential primary on Sunday with about 66% of the vote, despite a cyberattack disrupting online voting. He now faces the challenge of uniting a divided left, particularly amid disagreements over cooperation with Melenchon’s party.