Presidential candidate Melenchon in France called for leaving NATO
Jean-Luc Melenchon, a presidential candidate in France and leader of the Unbowing France movement, announced that his country should leave NATO and not join new military alliances. Melenchon argued that France should pursue an independent policy on the global plane and improve its relations with different countries, including Russia and China.
Jean-Luc Melenchon, the leader of the Unbowing France (LFI) movement in France and presidential candidate, made statements about the country's position in military alliances.
Melenchon stated that France should leave NATO and not be included in new military coalitions.
Leftist leader Melenchon, who makes politics under the umbrella of the New People's Front (NFP) alliance, touched on the country's foreign policy priorities. According to the French broadcaster BFM, Melenchon said that it is unacceptable to continue NATO membership and join new military coalitions that focus on issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
In this context, Melenchon noted that military structures similar to the partnerships established with Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom should be avoided.
Despite this distant attitude towards global military alliances, the leader of the left opposition did not oppose the continuation of the existing defense agreements signed with other European Union (EU) member countries.
Melenchon, who has defended France's separation from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for many years, justifies this approach with the thesis that the country should pursue a completely independent policy in the international arena. The leftist politician shares the view that Paris should develop direct and independent relations with different power centers, including Russia and China.
Presidential candidate Melenchon had previously stated in a statement in 2017 that protecting alliance membership means wanting to fight Russia.
Melenchon states that dialogue and negotiation methods should also be used to solve the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
The next presidential elections in France are scheduled to be held in 2027.