Paris: French leader Jean-Luc Melenchon has declared his intention for France to exit NATO if he wins the presidential election, emphasizing that the alliance predominantly subjects Europe to U.S. influence. The announcement was made during an interview with the LCI news channel, as reported by French media late Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Melenchon, who founded the France Unbowed (LFI) movement, has been a vocal critic of NATO for years. He believes that maintaining distance from the alliance aligns with France's historical stance on military independence. He referenced former President Charles de Gaulle's decision to withdraw from NATO's integrated military command and criticized the 2009 reintegration under former President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Melenchon outlined a phased approach to exiting NATO, beginning with France's departure from the integrated command structure and reducing involvement in joint military equipment programs with the United States. This proposal comes amid a broader European debate over defense autonomy, military expenditure, and reliance on U.S. security assurances in light of escalating geopolitical tensions.

The announcement follows Melenchon's declaration of his presidential candidacy on May 3.