Jean‑Luc Mélenchon seeks 500 municipal endorsements for 2027 French presidential bid

Jean‑Luc Mélenchon has announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election as the candidate of La France Insoumise (LFI). To qualify, he must obtain 500 signatures from elected municipal officials. LFI has intensified its campaign, sending letters to mayors, deploying departmental referents, and urging party members to gather the required endorsements.

Since the 2022 election, LFI’s representation has expanded to more than 70 deputies and numerous local officials. Mélenchon reported that 150,000 supporters have signed an online petition, highlighting popular backing, but the official municipal sponsorships remain essential. The party is also calling for a reform of the sponsorship system. The New Anticapitalist Party (NPA) has announced it will not present its own candidate, instead supporting Mélenchon’s bid.