Protesters in central Paris tore apart a European Union flag during a weekend rally demanding France leave the bloc, arguing EU policies are crippling the country’s farming sector.
The demonstration was organised by the Patriots party and its leader Florian Philippot, a long-time supporter of France exiting the EU. Video shared online shows Philippot standing with a farmer before the pair tear the EU flag in half and throw it into a cheering crowd waving French flags.
Philippot said the rally was about restoring French independence and protecting domestic agriculture, claiming EU rules are harming farmers and wider French society. The protest comes amid ongoing anger from farming groups over trade agreements, including a proposed deal with South American nations that unions say would flood the market with cheaper imports produced under different standards.
Avec Alexandre Patte, paysan en colère, on se débarrasse du torchon bleu à étoiles ! (vidéo ⤵️)
Terminé !
Comme un nombre croissant de paysans, il sait que seul le FREXIT sauvera l’agriculture française ! 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/krhLgdog5J
— Florian Philippot (@f_philippot) February 1, 2026
Support for farmers has been strong across France, with polling in late 2025 showing widespread public backing for their concerns. In recent days, some local officials have also removed EU flags from town halls in symbolic support of the farming movement and criticism of EU leadership.
🚨 UPDATE: In a jaw-dropping act that’s sending shockwaves across Europe, the mayor of the town of Magnanville ceremonially took down the European Union flag in front of the town hall.
The mayor chanted, “Down with the EU, Ursula von der Leyen out – Viva la France!” pic.twitter.com/IKG2xdeICg
— WORLD NEWS (@_MAGA_NEWS_) January 31, 2026
