Following recent municipal election victories, several mayors from Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party have removed the European Union flag from their town halls. This move, observed in locations like Carcassonne, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and Harnes, prioritizes the display of the French flag on government buildings.

Controversy and Backlash

The decision has ignited controversy and drawn criticism from establishment liberals. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot expressed his disapproval, stating, “There is no dissolution of national identity in European identity, no more than our local identities fade behind our national identity.”

Focus on Sovereignty

Barrot argued that the primary threat to French sovereignty comes not from the EU, but from the geopolitical competition between the United States and China. He described the EU flag as “the flag of freedom, justice, and democracy,” representing a “possible third way” and an “act of resistance to the brutalization of the world.”

EU's Perspective

The European Commission defended the flag, stating it symbolizes “the ideals of unity, solidarity, peace, and harmony among the peoples of Europe” and represents “shared aspirations” and “accomplishments.”

National Rally's Stance

Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, affirmed that mayors within her party have “freedom of choice” regarding the display of the EU flag. She referenced the 2005 French referendum on the European Constitution, where voters rejected mandatory EU flag displays in town halls. Le Pen also accused Brussels of “stealing” from the French public due to France’s net contribution to the EU budget.

Internal Debate on the Right

However, the decision isn’t universally supported on the political right. Marion Maréchal, a member of the Le Pen family, argued for retaining the flag, noting its French origins – designed by Arsène Heitz – and its original symbolic connection to the Virgin Mary’s halo. She believes reclaiming the flag could restore an “identitarian dimension” to the European project.