Europe 1 with AFP 4:24 p.m., June 14, 2022

Jean-Luc Mélenchon said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne had "refused the public debate".

This meeting was to take place this Thursday between the two rounds of the legislative elections.

But Matignon declined because Elisabeth Borne was in the constituency on Thursday and Friday. 

The leader of rebellious France, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne had "refused the public debate" which would have been organized on France 2 between the two rounds of the legislative elections.


"Since her appointment, I have offered Elisabeth Borne a public debate with me", he recalled in a press release, five days before a second round to decide between the New popular ecological and social union (Nupes) that he leads and Together!, the presidential camp, in many constituencies. 

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"A confrontation of ideas between her, current Prime Minister chosen by Emmanuel Macron, and me, who would be Prime Minister if the Nupes becomes a majority next Sunday, would be likely to enlighten the voters", pleaded the leader of the Insoumis.

The France 2 channel had offered to organize this debate.

Elisabeth Borne refused, he then lamented.

Asked, France 2 replied that Elisabeth Borne had been "asked like other guests to participate in our program this Thursday, like Jean-Luc Mélenchon. She declined being in the constituency on Thursday and Friday. This is the only reason invoked by Matignon" 

La Nupes and Macronie neck and neck

Jean-Luc Mélenchon added, in reference to the trip to south-eastern Europe started on Tuesday by the Head of State: "The President of the Republic abroad and Elisabeth Borne to absent subscribers. The campaign will limit itself to the excesses of Christophe Castaner and Amélie Montchalin?".

The Nupes and the macronie neck and neck.

The Insoumis notably accused the Ministry of the Interior led by Gérald Darmanin of having "tweaked" the results of the first round to appear in the lead.

Elisabeth Borne replied by accusing Jean-Luc Mélenchon of "the first liar", while Minister Amélie de Montchalin, on an unfavorable ballot in her constituency, accused the representatives of Nupes of "anarchists".