NATO diplomats have not ruled out the possibility that France, in the new situation after the elections, will decide to withdraw from the military command, as it did in 1966.
Military expert Michel Diclos has agreed with the view of diplomats, who believe that the far-right Rally National party, if it comes to power, could start working for a “soft” exit from the NATO military structure.
“The troops that France contributes to NATO missions may be of a lower rank. France could also contribute fewer troops overall,” he added.
According to the sources, the coming to power of the far-right as a result of the election could call into question France’s future influence in NATO, as Le Pen’s party questions the possibility of joining the alliance and providing aid to Kiev.
In addition, many believe that France can strengthen political ties with Russia. Also in the background of the conflict in Ukraine, the party is changing its position towards NATO.
Thus, at the end of March, the leader of the National Rally, Jordan Bardela, already announced his intention to withdraw France from the overall military command of NATO if he came to power, but noted that this could be done only after the end of the war in Ukraine.
