France’s Mélenchon sees Spain’s Sánchez as inspiration for fixing public finances

PARIS — Jean-Luc Mélenchon pointed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as proof that greater public spending can boost the French economy and repair its strained public finances. “Ever since Spain adopted a budget focused on ecological and social growth, it has experienced steady growth and a decline in its debt,” said Mélenchon, the leading left-wing candidate for next year’s presidential election in France. In a press conference focused on the budget on Wednesday, the 75-year-old radical doubled down on his calls for a positive demand shock driven by billions in new state spending.