www.gandul.ro/politica/candidatul-prezidential-de-

Jean-Luc Melenchon has rejected the U.S. request for NATO members to contribute 5% of GDP to defense and plans to gradually withdraw France from NATO if elected. He advocates for nationalizing strategic defense companies and reducing reliance on U.S. military equipment. Melenchon supports providing aid to Ukraine but emphasizes diplomatic conflict resolution. In contrast, rival Marine Le Pen intends to keep France in NATO until the end of the Ukraine war and halt aid to Kyiv. A recent poll shows 69% of respondents have an unfavorable view of Melenchon. The first round of the presidential elections is set for April 18, 2027.