“We will immediately implement our program at the national level. This will therefore require a confrontation with European institutions,” according to the manifesto from Mélenchon’s France Unbowed. “This also means disobeying rules blocking [us] whenever necessary.”
“Our logic is simple. As long as a deal on changing the treaties is not done, we negotiate with our partners and disobey […] blocking rules in parallel. If we get to an agreement, it will be put to a referendum,” the manifesto added.
The proposals, which echo Mélenchon’s earlier statements, would likely face tough opposition from France’s partners in the European Council, which is currently dominated by more conservative leaders.
The manifesto also said the European Central Bank should be “placed under democratic control and mobilized to fund the ecological and social transition.” Mélenchon triggered a flurry of criticism earlier this year when he said he would “set fire” to a large chunk of France’s public debt held by the ECB, setting off a nationwide debate on the subject.
France is among the countries hardest hit by a global surge in borrowing costs, with its fiscal situation also limiting the government’s ability to soften the impact of higher fuel and food prices, part of a larger cost-of-living crisis on the continent.
With public debt amounting to 117.5% of GDP and a public deficit above 5%, fiscal issues have become a central concern for voters. Presidential candidates are pitching radically different solutions to the problem.
Le Pen has tried to rebrand herself as a responsible steward of the economy unafraid of cuts — despite critics saying her plan is “overly optimistic” and her flagship promises are yet to be funded. Centrist candidates, such as former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, are pitching themselves as the voice of reason on economic and fiscal issues but are struggling to gain traction.