Melenchon Challenges Le Pen in French Election Showdown

The leader of the radical left in France, Jean-Luc Melenchon, has issued a decisive challenge to Marine Le Pen, defining the upcoming electoral competition as a “final showdown” between the two of them. In an interview with Repubblica, Melenchon stated that the ultimate choice for France will be between him and the far-right leader Le Pen. Emphasizing the contrast between socialists and the extreme right, Melenchon expressed his opposition to NATO, stating that he prefers to adopt a logic of disarmament and pacification rather than a logic of war. He stressed that, if in power, he would withdraw from the unified military command and from NATO to pursue a policy of peace. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, he reiterated his support for the country’s sovereignty and indicated that any EU aid to Kiev would be carefully evaluated.