Key facts
- Jean-Luc Mélenchon stated France would defend EU external borders even if it withdraws from NATO.
- Mélenchon criticized Germany's rearmament, citing historical context with France.
- Mélenchon expressed concern about France becoming a belligerent due to supplying weapons for Ukrainian deep strikes.
- Mélenchon cited U.S. President Donald Trump's behavior as a reason for France to leave NATO.
Far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon stated that France would continue to defend the European Union's external borders even if the country withdraws from NATO. Mélenchon, a front-runner in the upcoming presidential election, expressed this view in an interview with POLITICO on Thursday, September 24, 2026. He argued that even outside the military alliance, France would uphold its commitments to EU members under European treaties. Mélenchon also voiced criticism of Germany's significant rearmament, questioning the coordination with neighboring countries and referencing historical conflicts between Germany and France. He further elaborated on his opposition to Ukrainian deep strikes into Russian territory, noting that the use of French and British weapons made France a belligerent. Mélenchon cited U.S. President Donald Trump's conduct towards Europeans as a reason for France to seek "dignity" by leaving NATO, a stance also shared by his far-right rival Marine Le Pen.