French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon said his priority would be to fight Islamic extremism amid a state of emergency in France after a series of attacks.

Mr. Fillon, a major contender in the two-round election of April 23 and May 7, proposed to put in place a European defense alliance led by France and Germany.

“The Islamic totalitarian threat ... along with the weakening of [NATO] through President Trump’s rhetoric and contradictory signals, are forcing us to overhaul our alliances and take a second look at the question of European defense, which was neglected for too long,” he told a news conference.

Mr. Fillon said the urgent priority is to defeat the Islamic State group in Syria.

“For decades, we have lived with the illusion of perpetual peace, the irreversible nature of the European Union and the unconditional commitment of the U.S. toward the safety of Europe. These times are over,” he stressed.

Mr. Fillon also took a hard stance on Russia, contrasting with earlier comments calling for warmer relations with the country.

“Its political regime is not identical to the ones in our Western democracies. It is a dangerous country,” he said. “When dealing with a dangerous country, you have to think of the strategy you want to put in place.”

This strategy consists of “a serious and honest dialogue to bring about the conditions of Europe’s safety,” rather than confront Russia, he said.

Mr. Fillon, once considered the presidential front-runner, has dropped in polls following revelations he employed family members for years for parliamentary jobs they allegedly never performed. He is facing charges in the case. He denies any wrongdoing.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen and independent centrist Emmanuel Macron are now considered the two top contenders in the presidential race.