Offensive towards the United States and Israel, accommodating towards Putin: candidate Mélenchon unfolds his vision of foreign policy

This weekend, Jean-Luc Mélenchon was the guest on LCI. The independent candidate in the presidential election mainly spoke about a topic that other candidates rarely touch on, if at all, which is foreign policy. However, political analysts and editorialists assert that the presidential election is decided on domestic issues, with international affairs playing a minor role. This is despite the fact that, in the Fifth Republic, the President is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, responsible for Defense and overseeing diplomacy. Yet, in these times of multiple conflicts, the President’s ultimate responsibility is more crucial than ever. It is in this context of conflict that Jean-Luc Mélenchon presented himself to the French people. “Me as president,” he repeated again and again, much like François Hollande did in 2012 against Nicolas Sarkozy.

The Lider Maximo of LFI therefore claimed to advocate for a different foreign policy approach, non-interventionist, in line, he claims, with General de Gaulle. He summarized this as “I am for peace and non-alignment.” He criticized Emmanuel Macron for sending the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier to a war zone near the Strait of Hormuz and not staying clear of a conflict initiated by the United States and Israel, whom he identifies as the main warmongers.

“It’s nothing new. His worldview has always been shaped by the fight against American imperialism, which, according to him, is responsible for all imbalances, both in Latin America during his pro-Castro youth and today in Iran with oil as a constant backdrop. Not to mention the country of Israel, which he singles out as the most dangerous, attacking all its neighbors. He deems Israel more dangerous than Iran, which has not invaded anyone,” Mélenchon expressed.

As in each of his interventions on the Middle East, Jean-Luc Mélenchon downplayed the terrorist actions of Hezbollah and Hamas, laying the primary responsibility for the deteriorating situation on Israel and “its fascist government.” He also maintained a pro-Kremlin stance, calling for Russia to be brought back into the European family. However, Mélenchon has admitted to being deceived, as he did not believe in the invasion of Ukraine, which he had protested against.

Moreover, he made an additional error by claiming that the Russians would only retreat and make peace if offered guarantees, such as keeping NATO at a distance. NATO, his archenemy, which he believes France should exit immediately, viewing it as merely an extension of American power. He wants Europe to take on its own defense, particularly France, without increasing the military budget, which is problematic amid general rearmament. Mélenchon seemed amiable for once, pleased to discuss crucial world issues as if he were truly president, capable of making significant diplomatic moves.

It is highly doubtful that Jean-Luc Mélenchon will be elected president. However, it is clear that he truly dreams of it.