Mélenchon Demands Early Election Amid Political Turmoil as Macron Excludes LFI

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise (LFI), has intensified calls for political change amid France's ongoing crisis, demanding either a dissolution of the National Assembly or an early presidential election. Speaking at a press conference in Paris on October 10, 2025, Mélenchon sharply criticized President Emmanuel Macron, blaming the Élysée for the current political chaos rather than the Assembly. He condemned the recent political meetings held by Macron that excluded both LFI and the far-right National Rally (RN), dismissing them as a "waste of time" and a "malicious attempt to combine opposites." Mélenchon stressed that deputies from LFI were elected to oppose Macron's policies and refused any cooperation with Macron's party or the RN. He voiced a preference for an early presidential election over dissolution due to risks but maintained that Macron's departure is a legitimate demand, echoing sentiments from former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe. Furthermore, Mélenchon called on leftist parties within the Nouveau Front populaire to unite and return to the successful 2024 program, urging an end to exclusivity against LFI. Meanwhile, other political developments include the French Communist Party attending a scheduled meeting with Macron, while Agnès Pannier-Runacher announced she will not seek a government role going forward. Economic concerns were highlighted by Bank of France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau, who noted the political uncertainty is costing France between 0.4 and 0.5 points of growth, underscoring the urgency for political stability and compromise. These events underscore a sharply divided political landscape as France seeks resolution to its governmental crisis.