Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leading left-wing candidate in the French presidential election, promised voting rights at age 16 if he reaches Elysée in 2027.

[French Unions Call New Day of Protests as Police Brutality Persists: Melénchon Promises to Low Vote Age at 16 if Elected President](https://www.telesurenglish.net/melenchon-promises-to-low-vote-age-at-16-if-elected-president/)

“At 16, one can be emancipated and fulfill their duties as a parent; at 16, one votes in labor elections; at 16, one can go to jail (…) So at 16, one should be able to give their opinion, not in a secondary way, but like everyone else, as a citizen,” said Mélenchon, at a massive rally held in Clermont-Ferrand (central France).

Mélenchon, leader and founder of La France Insoumise (LFI), has been accused by members of the French government and the right of instigating high school student protests in France, which, in some cases, have led to serious disturbances and mutual accusations of violence between protesters and police.

French Presidential Candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon:

We need voting rights at 16. That has been in our program since the very beginning.

Voting rights at 16 will change everything, beginning with the obligation to respect young people. pic.twitter.com/3KA35se5uE

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 11, 2026

The veteran politician, who will run for his fourth presidential election at the age of 75, accused law enforcement of “beating, blinding, and mutilating” the mobilized youth.

The LFI leader was referring to three cases: a minor who lost a hand, another who lost sight in one eye, and a third who suffered serious injuries to the mouth and jaw. To prevent such severe injuries, the Ministry of Interior temporarily suspended the use of stun grenades against students.

This revolt, which began in mid-September to demand better study conditions, has so far resulted in over 200 high school students injured, as well as more than 800 police officers and gendarmes.

Furthermore, according to the latest data released, nearly 6,800 people have been taken into police custody (86% of them minors). Among them, 2,300 have been prosecuted (of which 547 have been brought before a judge).

According to polls, Mélenchon – the left-wing figure with the most support at the moment – has percentages slightly above 15%, which could qualify him for the second round on May 2, 2027, likely against far-right Marine Le Pen.

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