The revolution in France will not be for this election and that is a good thing. Because the program put together by Mélenchon and Co. is a shopping list for just about every left-wing party project, whether they contradict each other or, worse, undermine the foundations of democracy.
Together!, the rally behind Emmanuel Macron, won around 230 seats. Macron should be able to govern by finding some MPs in other centre-right parties that have amassed almost 78 seats in total.
The strategic winner of the second round of general elections is undoubtedly Jean-Luc Mélenchon and his Nupes coalition. With around 149 votes, he will form a solid opposition. Marine Le Pen’s party will form the second opposition with around 85 seats.
Mélenchon is preparing for the next election. Some items on your shopping list are interesting. For example, the idea of anchoring environmental protection in the constitution would probably find a lot of support.
However, Mélenchon’s proposals are essentially naive and without reflection on the consequences of their implementation.
Lower the voting age
So lowering the voting age to 16 may bother many. However, if 16-year-olds, like any other voter, can decide through their government whether or not to go to war, they must also expect to be drafted at 16. Likewise, any laws that apply to 18 and over would ultimately apply to 16 and over. Is this the kind of society the French dream of?
Mélanchon also wants the company’s employees to decide how dividends are distributed to shareholders. He wants to take out unlimited, interest-free loans from the European Bank. Assuming he pulls off this kind of financial acrobatics, did he even wonder how much it would cost the pension funds? What chaos would such measures wreak?
Palm of Ridicule
The palm of ridicule – and danger – goes to his intention to violate laws and treaties to set his policies. How can a government expect its own citizens and its foreign partners to obey its laws, regardless of whether it chooses which laws to obey or not?
In fact, the French left is dreaming of a new revolution to end inequalities and social injustices. She no longer believes that the current system can be improved. Also, part of the left never believed in it.
Mélenchon’s coalition program could serve as the basis for a major discussion on the state of France.
Unfortunately, many voters behind Mélenchon have little understanding of politics. However, these voters are strong political believers. Her ability to destabilize is strong.
China and Russia should like that.
