VIDEO. Presidential 2022. Jean-Luc Mélenchon in Toulouse: his supporters needed “hope” and “not to feel alone”
Nearly 25,000 people, according to the organizers, gathered on Sunday, April 3, Place du Capitole in Toulouse for the meeting of the candidate La France insoumise Jean-Luc Mélenchon. A convinced crowd for whom this meeting was synonymous with “hope”.
“Motivated, motivated, you have to motivate yourself. Motivated, motivated, let’s be motivated”, sang Zebda in the early 2000s… Like Mouss and Hakim on the Capitole stage in Toulouse, Sunday April 3, at the opening of the candidate’s meeting La France Insoumise Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
No need to say twice to the thousands of activists and sympathizers who filled the square and its surroundings, following, for those furthest away, the speeches on the big screen.
Some have traveled several hours to be present this Sunday afternoon. Alice and Laurie, both activists, came from the Basque Country to support their candidate. “There is a unifying side in the meetings, it allows you to find yourself between activists, but also to see that you are not alone. It gives hope.”
The word is set. And it comes back to most of the participants interviewed this afternoon. That they are convinced of more or less a long time. “I need hope and to tell myself that the world and political life in France can change,” explains Émilie, who came from Gironde with her husband Manu and their daughter Léonie.
“I could tell my friends that I saw it for real”
This meeting is, for her, who has “always voted EELV” so far, a first. “I offered to come to feel that momentum, to see that other people share our ideas.” French flag in hand, Léonie is delighted. “If he becomes President of the Republic, I could tell my friends that I saw him in person!”
A first meeting also for Alain who, while waiting for the candidate, carefully clarified the latter’s program, especially the section concerning the climate. As for Anouck, who came with family and friends. “It’s impressive to see all these people. It’s a real experience.” What will she remember? “I see hope there. Maybe there’s a chance things will change.”
An event where “the pleasure of meeting around a project” is accompanied, for Matthieu, Camille, Mathilde and Auriane, “already convinced”, of the importance of “showing that there is support for approach of the elections”. “Vote Mélenchon!” Suddenly interrupt a little girl, looking serious, flyer in hand. You don’t have to tell them twice either.