Jean-Luc Mélenchon backs Gabriel Amard in Rhône Senate race

During a televised address, Jean-Luc Mélenchon called on the Rhône’s grand electors to vote for Gabriel Amard, describing him as a “long-time militant” of La France insoumise. Amard’s political résumé includes serving as Mélenchon’s parliamentary aide in the early 1990s, directing the party’s Journal de l’insoumission, and leading initiatives on eco-regions. He was also seen aboard the Ocean Viking, the SOS Méditerranée vessel that rescues migrants, in 2022.

After marrying Maryline Mélenchon in 2016, he has been linked closely to the party’s internal operations, while his wife now oversees the monitoring of elected officials. Critics within the broader left have nicknamed him “Monsieur Gendre” and questioned his candidacy, but Mélenchon’s endorsement underscores the importance of loyal insiders in the party’s Senate strategy.