Withdraw from NATO's integrated military command immediately, then gradually leave the alliance itself.
Jean-Luc Melenchon, the left-wing France Unbowed party's candidate for the 2027 presidential election, has proposed gradually withdrawing France from NATO and rejecting the US demand that France spend 5% of its gross domestic product on defence, according to a report by Politico cited by TASS. The party's election platform states: "Withdraw from NATO's integrated military command immediately, then gradually leave the alliance itself. Reject the US demand to devote 5% of gross domestic product to defense spending." France would nevertheless continue to assist EU member states in accordance with its treaty obligations, the publication reported.
The proposal marks a significant divergence in French defence policy debate. Unlike Marine Le Pen of the right-wing National Rally party, Melenchon does not call for ending aid to Kiev in his party's platform, but insists that the conflict must be resolved through diplomacy. This positions Melenchon as critical of NATO and US pressure on defence spending while maintaining support for Ukraine, albeit with a diplomatic emphasis.
The electoral context is challenging for Melenchon. A Cluster 17 poll of 3,000 people conducted on October 19-22 found that French voters are willing to vote in the 2027 presidential election to prevent certain political forces from coming to power. The poll also found that about 69% of respondents have an unfavorable view of Melenchon. The first round of France's presidential election is scheduled for April 18, 2027. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, the two candidates who receive the most votes will advance to the runoff on May 2.
Melenchon's platform raises questions about France's future role in NATO and its relationship with the United States. While the proposal is unlikely to be implemented unless Melenchon wins the presidency, it signals a potential shift in French public debate on defence and sovereignty. The explicit rejection of the 5% GDP defence spending target, which has been pushed by the US, could resonate with voters concerned about fiscal priorities and national autonomy.
However, the platform's details on how France would maintain its security commitments while leaving NATO's integrated command remain unclear. The report does not specify the timeline for gradual withdrawal or how France would coordinate with EU partners on defence. It also does not clarify whether Melenchon would seek alternative security arrangements or increase EU defence cooperation. These are significant unknowns that would shape the implications of such a policy.
Given the poll numbers, Melenchon faces an uphill battle to advance to the runoff. Nevertheless, his platform contributes to a broader debate in France about NATO, defence spending, and relations with the US and Russia. The extent to which these proposals influence other candidates or public opinion will become clearer as the election approaches. For now, the report indicates that Melenchon's platform offers a distinct alternative on defence and foreign policy, but its electoral viability remains uncertain.
