French politician says France should leave NATO and negotiate with Russia

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the founder of the left-wing La France Insoumise party, has said France should withdraw from NATO and open dialogue with Russia, Le Figaro writes.

“There can be no question of remaining a member of NATO or joining any new military coalitions, such as those being formed by Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to address issues in the Asia-Pacific region,” Mélenchon stated.

He also spoke about the need to begin negotiations with Russia, which he said would allow for mutual guarantees regarding future developments following the end of the conflict in Ukraine.

On May 3, Mélenchon announced on TF1 that he would run for France’s 2027 presidential election.

In the most recent presidential election, Mélenchon won 22% of the vote in the first round, placing third behind Marine Le Pen and incumbent President Emmanuel Macron, and therefore did not advance to the second round.