This weekend, Jean-Luc Mélenchon was the guest on LCI. The rebellious candidate in the presidential election spoke mainly on a topic that other candidates rarely touch on, if at all – foreign policy. Despite political analysts and editorialists claiming that the presidential election revolves around domestic issues, with international affairs playing a minor role, the President also serves as the Chief of the Armed Forces in the Fifth Republic, with defense and diplomacy falling under their jurisdiction. In these times of multiple wars, the President’s ultimate responsibility is more significant than ever. It is in this context of conflict that Jean-Luc Mélenchon presented himself to the French, repeatedly stating, “Me, as President,” echoing François Hollande’s approach in 2012 against Nicolas Sarkozy.
The Lider Maximo of LFI thus advocated for a different foreign policy approach, one that is non-interventionist, claiming to be in line with General de Gaulle. He encapsulated this stance in the phrase, “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, not maintaining distance from a conflict triggered by the United States and Israel, which he singles out as the main instigators of war.
“It wouldn’t be surprising to American military planners: how the strategic lock of the Strait of Hormuz eventually fell,” was stated. This is not new. His worldview has always been shaped by the fight against American imperialism, which he sees as responsible for all imbalances, whether in Latin America during his pro-Castro youth or now in Iran with oil as a prevalent backdrop. He particularly condemns Israel, dubbing it as the most dangerous country, attacking its neighbors and being more threatening than Iran.
Like in his previous interventions on the Middle East, Jean-Luc Mélenchon downplays the terrorist actions of Hezbollah and Hamas, shifting blame onto Israel and its “fascist government.” Relations with Putin remain unchanged, with Mélenchon even accommodating towards the Russian dictator despite claiming to have opposed the invasion of Ukraine at the time.
Poutine’s greed extends beyond Ukrainian territory: are we truly ready to face the Russian threat? Mélenchon errs further by suggesting that the Russians would only request to withdraw and make peace if given the necessary guarantees, such as keeping NATO at bay – an organization he views as an extension of American dominance. He advocates for Europe to take charge of its defense, especially France, without increasing military spending, a stance that raises concerns in times of general rearmament.
Mélenchon was unexpectedly diplomatic, thrilled to discuss critical world issues as if he were truly President, able to make significant diplomatic strides. While his chances of winning the election are doubted, his aspirations are evident.
/2026/05/10/6a0032d608a02147030403.jpg "Vladimir Putin says the war in Ukraine is coming to an end and criticizes Western countries support for Kiev.")
