Jean-Luc Mélenchon Reflects on Childhood in Morocco, Praises Country’s Tolerance

Born on August 19, 1951 in Tangier, Jean-Luc Mélenchon has not forgotten Morocco, where he spent the first 11 years of his life. During a TV show, he looked back on his life in the kingdom. He says he demonstrated for Morocco’s independence at the age of five. The French politician praised the tolerance of his country of birth, which guaranteed freedom of worship. He claims he never experienced any racist fears, panics or anxieties before leaving the kingdom in 1962.

The Insubordinate France candidate had promised last February that if he was elected in the next presidential election, he would devote his first official visit to Morocco and the Maghreb. "I will have to think about it, but it seems to me that it would be good, out of respect for the past of all these poor people, that I go to my graves, in Morocco, perhaps, where I have one of my grandparents and in Algeria where I have the others," he had said on France 2.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon continues to rise in the polls. According to the latest electoral survey by Cevipof and the Jean Jaurès Foundation for Le Monde, he is garnering 14% of voting intentions (+ 2 points in 3 weeks) and believes he will make it to the second round of the election.