In the piece by Guillaume Tabard, the focus is on the strategic choices made by Jean-Luc Mélenchon and his party, La France Insoumise, as the municipal elections approach. The author suggests that while many observers view Mélenchon's provocative statements and actions as electoral missteps, the party sees these as part of a broader, deliberate strategy meant to set the stage for more significant political battles, particularly the upcoming presidential election.

Tabard notes a recurring theme over the last decade, where each controversial remark or action by Mélenchon has been labeled a 'dérapage' (slip-up). This narrative implies that there is a disconnect between the 'real' Mélenchon and the image that is often portrayed in the media, a caricature that does not fully capture his political intentions. The author points out that this suggests a misreading of Mélenchon's political strategy, where each 'slip' is a calculated risk, not an inadvertent mistake.

The implications of this strategy are significant for the electoral landscape in France. By embracing a more provocative approach, Mélenchon hopes to galvanize support among his base while challenging the traditional political narratives. His recent remarks referencing hostile media as 'small-footed Nazis' illustrate the extent to which he is willing to go to disrupt the status quo, potentially appealing to voters who are disillusioned with conventional political discourse. Overall, the article argues that these calculated decisions reflect a broader ambition by Mélenchon to reshape the political field, rather than a descent into electoral chaos.