EU in focus as French presidential candidates face off
Only the top two will advance to the run-off on May 7.
Far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon has advocated for an “independent France which will be the world champion of peace”.
Mr Melenchon and the 10 other presidential candidates appeared on a television programme on Thursday night where they are scheduled to speak one after another.
Mr Melenchon said he wants to have a dialogue with Germany about renegotiating European Union treaties and creating new rules for the bloc for when Britain leaves.
The 65-year-old anti-establishment contender said about the EU: “We change it or we leave it.
“But I think our partners will want us to stay because without France, there is no Europe.”
He also wants France to quit Nato. Mr Melenchon has enjoyed a late surge in polls that place him among the top contenders during Sunday’s first-round vote.
Only the top two will advance to the run-off on May 7.
