French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon says whether he endorses “ACAB” depends on the day, condemns attack on Limoges City Hall

French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon said Sunday that whether he personally endorses the anti-police slogan “ACAB” depends on the day, while separately condemning the burning of Limoges City Hall during nationwide protests.

Asked directly whether he endorsed “ACAB” — an acronym for “All Cops Are Bastards” — Mélenchon replied: “It depends on the day.” When the reporter pressed him, he said: “Yes, of course. I’m like everyone else. Don’t kid yourself. There are moments when, as we say colloquially, enough is enough.”

Mélenchon argued that social crises in France have repeatedly been allowed to deteriorate before being met with police force, saying the same pattern had existed since the Yellow Vest movement.

He nevertheless drew a distinction between confrontation during demonstrations and attacks on public institutions. Referring to the October 17 arson attack that severely damaged Limoges City Hall, Mélenchon said: “Setting fire to Limoges City Hall is a crime because it’s our collective symbol. It’s the people’s house. It belongs to everyone.”

He also rejected the idea that demonstrations should be expected to remain entirely orderly or free of confrontational language, asking whether critics wanted protesters who were “perfectly well-behaved, perfectly orderly, perfectly clean” and never said anything unpleasant.

Mélenchon said the protests reflected deeper economic pressures, pointing to university students queuing for €1 meals and sometimes relying on food aid. Addressing President Emmanuel Macron, he called for immediate action on the cost of living, including a freeze on prices.

“Mr. Macron, before leaving, you must respond to the people’s demands,” Mélenchon said. “The cost of living: freeze prices.”

France is dealing with the aftermath of the October 17 demonstrations, which drew between 550,000 and 800,000 people nationwide. Authorities reported widespread damage in several cities, including the destruction of much of Limoges City Hall, while Mélenchon and the government have continued to clash over policing and responsibility for the violence.