Jean Luc Mélenchon: an alternative to austerity with English subtitles

JeanLuc Mélenchon outlined a progressive alternative to the austerity policies which are being implemented across Europe and addressed the shortcomings of European integration. One of the most influential leaders of the Other Left in Europe, he discussed the historic failure of social democracy; its inability to shape a European Union based on solidarity and social justice. Chair: Prof Philippe Marlière (UCL) JeanLuc Mélenchon was a cabinet minister in Lionel Jospin s government (200002) as well as a member of the French Senate (19862009). He was a longtime executive member of the Socialist Party (19772008). He left the PS in 2008 and created the Left Party which is part of a wider electoral coalition, the Left Front. This umbrella organisation is similar to Syriza in Greece or Die Linke in Germany. In May 2012, JeanLuc Mélenchon ran for the French presidency. In the first round of the election, he secured of the share of the votes nation