# French Scholar Calls Le Pen and Mélenchon Economically Illiterate

> French political scientist Jacques Rupnik claims Le Pen and Mélenchon are economically illiterate and weaponizing migration ahead of 2027 French presidential race.
- Title: French Scholar Calls Le Pen and Mélenchon Economically…
- Summary: French political scientist Jacques Rupnik claims Le Pen and Mélenchon are economically illiterate and weaponizing migration ahead of 2027 French presidential…
- Keywords: marine le pen, jean-luc melenchon, french presidential election, migration debate, economic literacy, 2027 race, jacob rupnik, presidential frontrunners, grand remplacement, immigration policy, far right, far left
- Source: EUobserver — https://euobserver.com/238893/interview-le-pen-and-melenchon-are-economically-illiterate-and-weaponising-migration-says-french-scholar-ahead-of-2027-race
- Published: 2026-10-01T13:20:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: marine le pen, jean-luc melenchon, french presidential election, migration debate, economic literacy, 2027 race, jacob rupnik, presidential frontrunners, grand remplacement, immigration policy, far right, far left
## Scholar's assessment
French political scientist Jacques Rupnik claims Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon are economically illiterate and weaponizing migration ahead of 2027 French presidential election.
## Polls show Le Pen likely to win second round
Polls indicate Marine Le Pen would defeat Jean-Luc Mélenchon in the second round of France’s presidential election if they faced each other.
## Mélenchon targets immigrant voters
Jean-Luc Mélenchon explicitly seeks support from immigrants, contrasting Le Pen’s anti-immigrant stance.
## Le Pen’s moderate shift
Marine Le Pen has adopted a more moderate style, avoiding her father’s brash approach to politics.
## Grand remplacement theory
Mélenchon reinterprets the grand remplacement conspiracy theory as an opportunity for France rather than a threat.
## Immigration policy clash
Le Pen plans to ban headscarves in public spaces, while Mélenchon supports religious freedom for immigrants.
## Economic concerns dominate
A major Le Monde poll shows French voters prioritize economic issues over immigration.
## Mélenchon’s immigrant appeal
Mélenchon appeals to immigrant voters by supporting religious symbols and headscarves without racial discrimination.
## Le Pen’s campaign strategy
Le Pen’s anti-immigrant agenda may backfire as Mélenchon capitalizes on migration concerns for electoral gain.
## Key takeaway

French scholar Jacques Rupnik says Le Pen and Mélenchon are economically illiterate and using migration debates to win votes in 2027 presidential election.