Mélenchon cites constitutional article 35 to block French troop deployment to Saudi Arabia
President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to send French soldiers and defence equipment to protect Saudi Arabia's Yanbu oil terminal, prompting opposition from Jean-Luc Mélenchon and the Rassemblement national.
Emmanuel Macron disclosed a plan to send French military personnel, along with radar and defensive assets, to the Yanbu oil terminal in Saudi Arabia, citing the need to protect the site amid recent drone attacks. The terminal, located on the Red Sea, serves as a western gateway for oil flowing through a Saudi pipeline. Mélenchon, running for president under La France insoumise, referenced article 35 of the French Constitution to contest the legality of the deployment, describing Saudi Arabia as a "theatre of war."
The Rassemblement national echoed his concerns, warning that the move could entangle France in the regional conflict. Both parties suggested that parliamentary votes could be used to block the mission. The announcement came during a televised interview, where Macron also left open the possibility of deploying Rafale combat aircraft.
Why it matters
The dispute raises questions about France's constitutional limits on foreign military actions and its role in Middle-East oil security.
How this story developed
- Aug 28 Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey launch Mecca Defence Alliance, secretariat set in Riyadh
- Sep 16 Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone aimed at Mecca and accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of the plot, which the rebels denied.
- Sep 16 Houthis seized coastal towns and islands at the mouth of the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
- Sep 18 Since the earlier report of 86,000 displaced, the UN now says over 112,000 have been forced from their homes.
- Sep 19 The Saudi Directorate of Civil Defence said the danger has passed in Riyadh and al‑Kharj and urged residents to continue following its instructions and avoid gathering or filming.
- Sep 19 The Houthis announced new missile and drone strikes on Riyadh and Yanbu.
- Sep 21 Prime Minister Andy Burnham has authorized British aircraft to provide defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Sep 21 Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for defensive air-to-air refuelling while travelling to New York for a United Nations General Assembly meeting.
- Sep 22 Burnham announced the decision while traveling to the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 22 UN agencies warned that displacement could rise to over 230,000 if the fighting continues.
- Sep 25 Foreign minister Hakan Fidan announced willingness to meet the kingdom’s technical military needs.
- Sep 25 The UK moved from earlier talks to a formal agreement to provide the Voyager tanker.
- Sep 25 Trump publicly voiced support for Saudi self‑reliance against Houthi attacks.
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