Jean-Luc Mélenchon Calls for a Citizen’s Revolution

In his analysis of Europe’s political landscape, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the France Insoumise (Unbowed France) movement, warned that, for the first time in recent history, the vision of a progressive future for the continent has been lost.

Speaking at UNAM’s Faculty of Political and Social Sciences (FCPyS), Mélenchon delivered a keynote address titled “The Citizen Revolution in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” He argued that racism, xenophobia, and hatred have become central tools of the right and far-right, which exploit fear as part of a simplistic political strategy.

Mélenchon criticized the growing political polarization and the lack of a clear vision for Europe’s future. Unlike traditional socialist revolutions, today’s citizen movements, he explained, focus on practical solutions and seek to raise political awareness. He stressed the need for greater public participation to reshape existing power structures.

Reflecting on the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of state communism, Mélenchon observed that rather than moving toward a better future, Europe instead experienced the rise of neoliberalism—a model that, he argued, has led to the exploitation of natural resources and the erosion of social rights. He warned that the breakdown of the democracy-capitalism pact has left European society vulnerable, creating space for the far-right to consolidate its influence.

He also emphasized that the far-right uses racism and xenophobia to undermine democracy, dividing society and distracting attention from the real social and economic challenges facing Europe. According to Mélenchon, these tactics have become essential tools for manipulating public opinion and maintaining power.