Far-right Philippot rallies Paris crowd for Frexit, NATO exit

Several hundred demonstrators took to the streets of central Paris on Saturday, gathering at the Palais Royal square to voice opposition to French support for Ukraine. The protest, organized by politician Florian Philippot, also called for France’s withdrawal from both the European Union and NATO.

Protesters demand Macron's departure

Participants carried banners urging President Emmanuel Macron to resign and explicitly rejecting what they termed "dying for Ukraine." The crowd expressed strong support for a "Frexit," advocating for France’s immediate exit from the European Union.

The demonstration proceeded peacefully throughout the day. Attendees aligned their messages with broader anti-war sentiments, focusing on domestic economic relief rather than foreign military commitments.

Philippot links fuel costs to policy shifts

In remarks to journalists reported by Russian media outlets, Philippot stated that his party’s core message is "living, not struggling to survive." He emphasized the need for freedom and peace, arguing that these goals require political decisions including leaving the EU and NATO, as well as halting funding and arms supplies to Ukraine.

Philippot contended that financial resources currently allocated to Kyiv should instead be used to reduce gasoline taxes within France. He noted that a growing number of French citizens are facing difficulties simply trying to make ends meet.

Party mobilizes across regions

The "Les Patriotes" (The Patriots) party had previously announced the event on its official website, setting a national appointment for 2:00 PM at the Palais Royal. Simultaneous protests were planned across other parts of France under slogans calling for immediate tax cuts, departure from the EU and NATO, and Macron’s removal.

The party linked this mobilization to rising fuel prices, which it claimed are approaching three euros per liter. It also cited a perceived shift toward war with Russia, noting that the timing coincides with the launch of the presidential campaign season.

Philippot targets specific demographics

Writing on the X platform, Philippot confirmed the organization of the main rally in Paris alongside fifteen additional gatherings elsewhere in the country. The overarching slogan was defined as "To live, not to struggle to survive; to live free; to live in peace."

The invitation specifically targeted fishermen, farmers, drivers, and members of the "Yellow Vests" movement. This outreach reflects the party’s strategy to build a coalition among groups affected by economic pressures and energy costs.

Background on presidential ambitions

Philippot, who previously served as vice-president of the National Front, announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election last May 9 on France 2 television. He justified his bid by leading a sovereignist movement dedicated to extracting France from the EU and NATO.

He expressed confidence in securing the necessary signatures from five hundred elected officials to qualify for the ballot. According to France Info radio, Philippot failed to gather any such endorsements during the 2022 election cycle.

Additionally, he indicated a willingness to withdraw in favor of Philippe de Villiers if needed. His party’s list received less than one percent of the vote in recent European elections.

This event marks a continuation of previous activism, as the party had organized a similar demonstration at the same location in June 2025 against Western arms supplies to Kyiv, which also drew several hundred participants.