Overview
- Jean‑Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France insoumise, declared a fourth run for president and was ratified in a single‑candidate internal vote.
- The Socialist Party is split over a joint primary, with Boris Vallaud stepping down from party leadership and leaving Olivier Faure weakened.
- The op‑ed argues the early launch aims to show rivals are unprepared and to blur past rifts on the left.
- Critics say longstanding antisemitism accusations against Mélenchon could weigh on a runoff and tarnish the wider left.
- Analysts warn a fractured left could miss the second round in France’s two‑stage system, which could ease the far right’s path.