Story perspectives

Le Pen Vows NATO Command Exit, France Boosts Defence Spending

5/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Marine Le Pen pledged to withdraw France from NATO’s integrated command if elected, saying the country could remain a NATO member while exiting the command structure because of reliance on U.S. President Donald Trump.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the proposal irresponsible and urged France to Europeanise NATO.
The French lower house, with National Rally members, approved higher defence spending as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.

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Story summary

Marine Le Pen pledged to withdraw France from NATO’s integrated command if elected, saying the country could remain a NATO member while exiting the command structure because of reliance on U.S. President Donald Trump.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the proposal irresponsible and urged France to Europeanise NATO.
The French lower house, with National Rally members, approved higher defence spending as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.