A recent survey by YouGov, conducted for Le Huffington Post, reveals that 43% of French citizens support Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s proposal to cancel a portion of France’s national debt, while 31% oppose it and 27% remain neutral. The survey, carried out online from August 31 to September 3, 2026, involved 1,039 participants aged 18 and over, representing the broader French population. Mélenchon, a prominent left-wing politician and leader of the France Insoumise (LFI) party, argues that the proposal is being unfairly used to justify economic austerity and privatization measures. The support for the debt cancellation plan is strongest among younger voters. Specifically, 50% of those aged 18 to 24 back the proposal, compared to 39% of those over 50. Left-wing supporters, particularly those aligned with the Socialist Party, show the highest level of approval, with 46% in favor and 30% against. Among LFI supporters, the backing is even stronger, with 63% supporting the plan. Interestingly, center and right-wing voters are not entirely against the proposal. A significant portion—42% of supporters of the "center bloc" and 47% of those backing the right-wing LR party—also favor the debt cancellation. However, some prominent right-wing figures have expressed strong opposition. Édouard Philippe, a candidate from the Horizons party, warned that the proposal could lead to a "banking ban," while Gabriel Attal, representing the Renaissance party, claimed it would put France into "bankruptcy." Mélenchon is expected to revisit the proposal in his upcoming speech at the Lille braderie, a traditional fair in northern France. The debate over debt cancellation reflects broader discussions in French politics about economic fairness, public spending, and the country’s financial obligations to international creditors.