France’s far-left presidential candidate cheers Gen Z school protests

French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon praised high school students for their protests, urging at a campaign rally for lowering the voting age to 16 and ending selective university admissions. Mélenchon, a fiery anti-capitalist, also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, NATO, and the global financial system during his speech.

The nationwide school protests, over issues like deteriorating school buildings and teacher shortages, have energized young voters who could be crucial in the upcoming election. Mélenchon's party, France Unbowed, is urging the government to hire more substitute teachers and adjust school schedules to address student concerns.