Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon presented his party's manifesto as cost-of-living protests persisted, drawing a sharp rebuke from far-right rival Marine Le Pen. French left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon presented his party's manifesto on Saturday, setting out his platform as social unrest tied to the cost of living continued across France. The rollout comes months before the 2027 presidential race, with several parties already positioning themselves for the contest.

Far-right National Rally candidate Marine Le Pen quickly criticised the manifesto on social media, describing it as part of what she called a plan to dismantle France. The exchange highlighted the deepening divide between France's left and right blocs as both court voters frustrated by economic pressure.

Protests over living costs and public services have persisted in French cities for weeks, feeding into a broader climate of political uncertainty. Analysts say the early manifesto launch signals how crowded and contested the run-up to the next presidential election is likely to become.