25 June 2025: Downstream IRL: Aaron Bastani in Conversation With Jean-Luc Mélenchon

What is The Future of the Left?

In this recorded Downstream IRL Aaron Bastani talks to Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise and three time candidate for the French Presidency.

They’ll be discussing Mélenchon’s book Now, The People!, his vision for a citizen’s revolution, non-alignment in international policies and strategies for mobilising the radical left to transform the capitalist system. They will also discuss Mélenchon’s career, the state of the French left and what’s next for La France Insoumise.

What are the prospects for a Le Pen presidency? And how close are the French far-right to power? Will Mélenchon run for President again given he narrowly missed the final run-off last time? And is he the best candidate to stop the likes of Le Pen and Jordan Bardella?

Before Aaron speaks to Jean-Luc, Ash Sarkar will question Faiza Shaheen about the opportunities to build a stronger left in the UK. Is a new party also needed on this side of the Channel?

The conversation will begin at 7.30pm and it will be followed by a social in the bar, where you’ll have the chance to buy a copy of Jean-Luc’s book and Novara merch.

As always, all the money raised from this event will support Novara Media’s independent, truthful journalism. It is only thanks to our supporters that we exist at all and can continue to provide these events.