French candidate condemns ‘criminal act’ by US in Syria

PARIS — French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon has denounced U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to launch retaliatory missile strikes in Syria as a “criminal, irresponsible act.”

Melenchon said in a campaign speech focusing on international issues Sunday that the U.S. missile attack on a Syrian air base was a “huge mistake” that would only increase tensions.

He says he wants France to pull out of NATO to avoid a confrontation with Russia.

Melenchon told a big crowd gathered in Marseille: “If you want peace, do not get the wrong ballot paper.”