France's right-wing leader signals potential exit from NATO military command

Jordan Bardella, the head of France's right-wing National Rally party, has made waves with his statement suggesting that if the right-wing secures power in France, Paris could withdraw from NATO's military command.

Bardella's remarks, shared with Politico, underscore a potential shift in France's foreign policy stance, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

"The proposal we've always advocated... did not factor in war," Bardella expressed, indicating a nuanced approach dependent on geopolitical circumstances. He hinted that a decision to leave NATO's military command would be contingent upon the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

Bardella clarified that the National Rally party would maintain its stance on NATO leading up to the next presidential election in 2027, provided the conflict in Ukraine reaches a conclusion. He emphasized the importance of stability in international relations, stating, "You don't change treaties in wartime."

The National Rally's position on NATO echoes sentiments from the 2022 presidential platform of Marine Le Pen, which called for France's exit from NATO's integrated military command, a move initiated under former President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007. Le Pen's platform advocated for forging "new strategic agreements with the United States" and initiating "dialogue with Russia on major common issues."

Bardella's statement aligns with previous calls from Florian Philippot, the leader of the French Patriots party, who advocated for France's withdrawal from NATO due to its perceived aggressive stance towards Russia. Philippot cited NATO's deployment of soldiers and military equipment in Europe as evidence of an antagonistic policy towards Russia.