Technology can be very exciting, and people are always finding new ways of using technology to their advantage. A French presidential candidate, Jean-Luc Melenchon, appeared to supporters by hologram on Sunday in a presidential campaign in France. Melenchon was speaking in person in the central city of Lyon, but with a click of his fingers, he also appeared to 6,000 supporters in a concert hall 450 kilometres away in Paris.
Despite a slightly muffled voice, the appearance passed off without a technical hitch. Many in the crowd in the capital clapped and rose to their feet to take pictures with their phones as the hologram of the candidate strode back and forth in jeans and grey tunic as he gave a typically fiery address for over an hour.
It will be interesting to see if this will be a trend that will be implemented in other countries as well. It is a great way to reach many supporters at the same time, without having to travel to different locations. However, supporters might not feel that inclined to vote for a candidate who doesn’t show up in person for his/her own rally.