French presidential candidate Mélenchon proposed a phased withdrawal of the country from NATO

The program of La France Insoumise (Unbowed France)

French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon has proposed gradually withdrawing the country from NATO and abandoning the increase of defense spending to 5% of GDP. These provisions are included in the election program of the left-wing party La France Insoumise, as reported by Politico citing the document (summary — Life.ru).

Two stages of withdrawal and defense policy

The document provides for two stages: first, Paris must withdraw from NATO's integrated military command, and then consistently terminate its membership in the organization. The program states directly: 'Immediately withdraw from NATO's integrated command, and then, step by step, from the organization itself. Refuse the tribute demanded by the United States — 5% of GDP earmarked for defense spending.'

European commitments and Ukraine

A complete renunciation of European defense commitments is not proposed: France will continue to assist other European Union states under existing treaties. On the Ukrainian conflict, the party is betting on a diplomatic settlement — unlike the program of the right-wing National Rally, Mélenchon's document does not provide for an outright end to support for Kyiv. The politician advocates a peace agreement with collective security guarantees for the parties to the conflict and for European countries.

Defense industry and election context

The program also envisages strengthening state control over the defense industry: the nationalization of several major companies, including ArianeGroup, and the development of the country's own communications, intelligence and military logistics technologies to reduce dependence on American suppliers. The French presidential election will take place in spring 2027: the first round is scheduled for April 18, with a possible second round on May 2; a successor to Emmanuel Macron will be chosen, who cannot run for a third consecutive term.

Continuity of the position

The idea is not new for Mélenchon: as Life.ru previously noted, back in 2024 the politician advocated a phased withdrawal of France from NATO and stated that if elected president he intended to systematically take the country out of the alliance's integrated military command and then end its participation in the bloc itself. Thus, the new program consolidates the position he voiced before the campaign began — it is now formalized as a point of the official party program.