Presidential 2022: Mélenchon launches the "Popular Union" to free itself from rebellious France

With the Popular Union, Jean-Luc Mélenchon wants to go beyond the partidary framework of rebellious France.

Here in Paris on September 24, 2021 © Thomas Coex, AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

The Popular Union convention was held in Reims this Saturday, October 16, giving birth to this new political movement created by Jean-Luc Mélenchon on the occasion of the presidential campaign.

A symbolic and strategic choice to go beyond the base of the former rebellious France.

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With our special correspondent in Reims,

Aurélien Devernoix

Exit France Insoumise, hello Popular Union.

Goodbye to red, welcome to purple.

New name, new colors, and one goal: to broaden the electoral and activist base of Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

“ 

There are people who internalize rebellious France like a traditional political party, it's a mistake

exclaims the deputy Adrien Quatennens.

Simply, our wish by launching

this new campaign

 is to ensure that we do not force those who wish to join our campaign to go through the rebellious France box.

 "

“Yellow Vests”, very hostile to the principle of parties, thus wander through the aisles of the convention alongside trade unionists and association members.

Popular Union therefore.

A name that was not the first choice.

No partner parties

“ 

Initially, the expression that was used was the

'People's Federation', but 'federation'

assumes that there are a number of political forces that have joined,”

explains

Francis, experienced activist

.

For the moment, there is no political party to have joined us.

 "

In the absence of partner parties, there will therefore be the people and the militants, who will no longer be called Insoumis and must find a new name.

A little challenge.

In support of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, or rather tries to insist on the program, so maybe the life support in common

 "

,

says Nicolas, another activist.

But if you make

'

the communists

',

there will be problems

 ."

“ 

Ah yes, indeed

!

 He laughs.

 To read also: 

France: Anne Hidalgo will be the Socialist Party's candidate for the presidential election of 2022

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  • France

  • French politics

  • Presidential France 2022

  • Jean-Luc Mélenchon