La France Insoumise at 10: Navigating Decline and Controversy Ahead of 2027

La France insoumise (LFI), the left-wing political movement founded by Jean-Luc Mélenchon in February 2016, marks its 10th anniversary amid significant challenges. Mélenchon, who once stood out as one of France’s most popular political figures, has seen a steep decline in his appeal. While he enjoyed a 68% positive approval rating during the 2017 presidential election, by January 2026 this had dropped dramatically to just 25%, placing him second to last in popularity polls, trailing even behind President Emmanuel Macron. Despite this, analysts suggest it may be premature to write off Mélenchon’s political future, noting parallels with previous electoral cycles.

LFI rose swiftly after Mélenchon declared his presidential candidacy in 2017, gaining notable support with 19.6% and 21.9% of votes in the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections, respectively. The movement has built a reputation on a radical leftist platform, combining revolutionary rhetoric with a confrontational language style. However, this same rhetoric has fueled serious accusations of antisemitic remarks, class warfare, and social provocations that have contributed to its tarnished public image.

Critics argue that La France insoumise’s use of violent and polarizing language alienates moderate voters and renders the party socially unacceptable. Its candidates have notably employed harsh rhetoric against various groups, including denunciations targeting "Whites" and threats aimed at the wealthy. Nonetheless, the movement’s blending of radicalism and revolutionary lyricism continues to resonate with a segment of the progressive electorate.

Within the wider French left, while some figures like Bernard Cazeneuve and Raphaël Glucksmann offer more moderate perspectives, the ideological differences with LFI remain relatively narrow, particularly in their shared disdain for rural and peripheral French populations.

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, La France insoumise faces the complex task of renewing its image and broadening its appeal amidst waning popularity and ongoing controversies. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Mélenchon and his movement can repeat past breakthroughs or continue to grapple with their divisive public perception.