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

This past weekend, Jean-Luc Mélanchon was the guest on LCI. The rebellious candidate in the presidential election primarily spoke about a domain that other candidates rarely touch on, if at all: foreign policy. Nevertheless, political analysts and editorialists assert that the presidential election hinges on internal issues, with international affairs playing a minor role. Paradoxically, in the Fifth Republic, the President also serves as the Chief of the Armed Forces, responsible for Defense and diplomacy. In these times of multiple wars, the President’s ultimate responsibility is more crucial than ever. It is in this warlike context that Jean-Luc Mélenchon presented himself to the French people. “Me as president,” he repeated over and over, akin to François Hollande in 2012 against Nicolas Sarkozy.

The Lider Maximo of LFI claimed to advocate for a different, non-interventionist foreign policy, supposedly following in the footsteps of General de Gaulle. He summarized it with the phrase: “I am for peace and non-alignment.” Consequently, he criticized Emmanuel Macron for sending the aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle to a war zone near the Strait of Hormuz and for not staying away from a confrontation triggered by the United States and Israel, whom he identifies as the main warmongers.

“This should not have surprised American military planners: how the strategic chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz eventually exploded,” he stated.

This is nothing new. His world view has always been shaped by the fight against American imperialism, which he holds responsible for all imbalances, both in Latin America during his pro-Castro youth and today in Iran with oil as a prevalent backdrop. Notably, Israel, which he particularly denounces: “It’s Israel, the most dangerous country, attacking all its neighbors. It’s more dangerous than Iran, which hasn’t invaded anyone,” he emphasized.

As is customary in his Middle East remarks, Jean-Luc Mélenchon downplayed the terrorist actions of Hezbollah and Hamas, placing the primary responsibility for the deteriorating situation on Israel and “its fascist government.” His stance on relations with Putin remains unchanged.

When it comes to the Russian dictator, Mélenchon is at least accommodating. Despite claiming to have challenged Putin with his modest means and having supported opposition in Russia, he reiterated a pro-Kremlin credo: “We must bring Russia back into the European family, bring them to us. The Russians deserve an agreement.” During his election campaign, the former senator admitted to being deceived, as he did not believe in the Ukrainian invasion, against which he had once protested.

Moreover, he made an additional mistake by suggesting that the Russians would only ask to withdraw and make peace if provided with necessary guarantees, such as keeping NATO at a distance. NATO, his nemesis, which he believes France should quickly exit, considering it merely a relay of the American ogre. He desires Europe to take sole responsibility for its defense, particularly France, without increasing defense spending, which appears problematic amidst general rearmament.

Mélenchon was surprisingly amiable for once, as he was eager to discuss crucial global issues. It was as if he were truly the president. As if he were really playing in the big leagues, capable, for example, of truly bringing France closer to Algeria, of securing the release of French journalist Christophe Gleizes who now hopes for clemency.

It is highly unlikely that Jean-Luc Mélenchon will be elected president. However, there is no doubt that he truly dreams of it.