In brief
Jean‑Luc Méléchon, the France Unbowed candidate, has proposed a phased withdrawal from NATO and a rejection of France’s 5 % GDP defence spending target, drawing criticism from 69 % of voters in a recent poll. The platform also stresses continued assistance to Ukraine and calls for nationalising some defence firms, raising questions about France’s role in EU and NATO institutions. With the first presidential vote set for April 18 and a potential runoff on May 2, the proposal could reshape France’s defence policy and international commitments.
On April 18, 2027, French presidential candidate Jean‑Luc Méléchon announced a platform that would see France gradually withdraw from NATO and reject the U.S. demand that the country devote 5 % of its gross domestic product to defence spending.
According to TASS, the document calls for France’s immediate exit from NATO’s integrated military command, followed by a step‑by‑step departure from the alliance as a whole. It also insists that France continue to assist EU member states in line with treaty obligations.
Méléchon’s stance contrasts with Marine Le Pen of the National Rally, who has pledged to end French aid to Kyiv. In the France Unbowed platform, Méléchon maintains that aid to Ukraine should continue and that the conflict must be resolved through diplomacy.
The proposal also notes a plan to nationalise certain major defence companies and to reconsider EU treaty provisions, signalling a broad shift in France’s defence and industrial policy.
A recent poll by Cluster 17, surveyed over 3,000 voters on October 19–22, found that about 69 % of respondents view Méléchon unfavourably, suggesting that the platform may face substantial public opposition.
France’s first‑round presidential election is scheduled for April 18, with a potential runoff on May 2 if no candidate receives more than 50 % of the vote. The election will therefore be pivotal for determining whether NATO membership and defence spending commitments are revised under a new president.
