Mélenchon: France would defend eastern flank even outside NATO; criticizes German rearmament

French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon stated France would defend eastern flank borders even outside NATO, signaling a potential shift in French defense posture. He also criticized Germany's rearmament, indicating a divergence from current European security consensus. The statement is a campaign position, not official policy, and its impact on NATO cohesion is uncertain.