French leftist leader Melenchon faces backlash over unrest

Jean-Luc Melenchon and his France Unbowed party face mounting accusations from rivals across the political spectrum of fueling France's worst civil unrest in years, with opponents citing his confrontational rhetoric as a key contributor. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu sharpened attacks Tuesday, accusing LFI of an agenda to instill violence and chaos, while Senate President Gerard Larcher suggested considering banning the party. Melenchon rejects blame, pointing instead to government failures on social and economic grievances in poorer suburbs. The criticism spans from far-right National Rally to centrist MoDem, though analysts note Melenchon retains strong support among younger voters and immigrant communities, with polls showing him ahead of mainstream candidates despite trailing Marine Le Pen.