The hardline France party (La France Insoumise) led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon has included NATO exit and the nationalization of defense industries in its official program released on Friday.
Comprehensive Party Program
This 222-page program emphasizes that France must immediately exit NATO's integrated command and gradually withdraw from the organization as well. Additionally, the party has called for rejecting military spending of 5% of GDP as a "service" demanded by the United States.
However, France under Mélenchon will still assist EU countries under union treaties. This refers back to Mélenchon's previous statements.
Upcoming Elections and Competitions
According to recent polls, Mélenchon is in second place for next year's election to succeed Emmanuel Macron. The two candidates who receive the most votes will advance to the second round, which may lead to a competition between Mélenchon and Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader who has also promised to exit NATO's integrated command.
The hardline France party has not explicitly stated that it will stop aid to Ukraine, but it has emphasized the need to achieve a diplomatic solution and considers any peace agreement dependent on "collective security guarantees."
The party has also called for stricter regulation of armaments, including automated weapon systems and nuclear weapons. Furthermore, Mélenchon has stressed the need to counter the "space arms race" and has promised to close NATO's space center in Toulouse, while emphasizing that France must possess the necessary capabilities to ensure its sovereignty.
The hardline France party had previously called for funding the Vortex space program of Dassault Aviation, which is a reusable European space program. Overall, the party has called for increased investment in equipment that is currently largely supplied by the United States through NATO.
Ultimately, Mélenchon and his party intend to nationalize some of the country's major defense companies, including ArianeGroup. More details about the party's defense program will be announced soon.
