Marine Le Pen Proposes NATO Command Withdrawal for France

Far-right politician Marine Le Pen has proposed that, if elected in the 2027 presidential election, France should withdraw from NATO's integrated military command.

In an interview with BFM TV, Le Pen emphasized that while France should remain a NATO member, it should step away from the alliance's permanent military command structure. She believes this would enhance France's independence regarding defence and military strategies.

Le Pen critiqued Europe's overreliance on the United States, claiming that European nations are overly swayed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s decisions.

While advocating for continued partnerships with allied forces, she stressed the importance of staying clear of NATO's integrated command system.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot strongly opposed this suggestion, calling it “irresponsible” in a recent NATO ministers' meeting held in Sweden. He pointed out that during a time of rising security threats in Europe, France should prioritize strengthening its NATO ties rather than distancing itself.

Barrot warned that allied nations feeling the strain from Russia may view such a move as a betrayal.

The NATO debate has been a longstanding issue in France. Charles de Gaulle, a former president, withdrew France from NATO’s integrated military command back in 1966 to secure the nation’s strategic autonomy, but it returned to the command structure in 2009 under Nicolas Sarkozy.

Le Pen's remarks come at a time when European nations are ramping up defence funding in response to Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Support for increased military expenditure has gained traction across various political factions in France, including Le Pen's National Rally party.

Her party currently tops several opinion polls ahead of the upcoming 2027 election, although her candidacy hinges on an appeals court decision expected later this year.