Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who some polling indicates is the second most popular contender for the upcoming election to succeed Emmanuel Macron as president of France, declared at a Saturday rally that departure from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is part of his campaign program.
Reporting at Reuters regarding the rally, Petra Wischgoll wrote:
On foreign policy, Melenchon’s programme reiterates his long-standing criticism of NATO and calls for France’s gradual withdrawal from the alliance, beginning with an exit from its integrated military command.
‘We have no business being in NATO, nor in American wars,’ Melenchon said. ‘France must build a global front of non-aligned countries.’
Marine Le Pen, who is the candidate leading in support in the race, has also been critical of France’s current role in NATO. In September, she stated her desire to remove France from NATO’s integrated command, but said such could not be done “as long as there is war on Europe’s doorstep,” a reference to the Ukraine War.
The statements of both candidates fall short of bold support for an immediate divorce from NATO. But, it does seem significant that two leading candidates for the presidency of France are challenging continuing the nation’s present relationship with NATO.
The presidential election is scheduled for April, but it could occur sooner if the presidency become vacant. So far, Macron has resisted calls to resign from the presidency.
If no candidate for president receives a majority in the election, a runoff should occur between the two candidates with the highest vote totals.