Thousands protest in Paris against Macron’s military aid to Ukraine
By Vijaya Laxmi Tripura
The streets of Paris witnessed a major anti-war demonstration on March 29, as thousands of protesters took to the French capital to express their opposition to President Emmanuel Macron’s military aid policies for Ukraine.
The rally, organized by former National Rally politician Florian Philippot and his party, The Patriots, highlighted growing discontent among segments of the French population over the government’s foreign policy and NATO’s involvement in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The protests erupted in response to Macron’s latest announcement of an additional €2 billion ($2.16 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine.
This package, unveiled on March 27, includes advanced surface-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles, and drones, marking a significant escalation of France’s role in the conflict.
Macron has also been actively advocating for the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers, a proposal that has met resistance both at home and abroad.Chanting slogans such as “Macron, we don’t want your war!” and “Let’s quickly leave NATO!”, demonstrators voiced their frustration with the French government’s increasing military commitments in Eastern Europe.
Many carried placards bearing the message “Macron, we will not die for Ukraine,” reflecting a broader concern that France’s involvement in the conflict could escalate into direct confrontation with Russia.
Macron’s stance on Ukraine has been a divisive issue within France. While his administration has framed military aid as essential for defending European security and deterring Russian aggression, critics argue that such policies risk dragging France into a prolonged and potentially catastrophic conflict.
Florian Philippot, a vocal critic of NATO and the European Union, has been at the forefront of the movement against increased military aid to Ukraine.
He described Saturday’s protest as a mass demonstration for peace, writing on social media: “A mad crowd for #Peace… Thousands and thousands of French people are shouting ‘Macron, resign!’ in the streets of Paris right now!”
The rally follows a series of protests organized by The Patriots in response to Macron’s foreign policy decisions. Earlier this month, the group demonstrated against the French president’s suggestion that France could deploy its nuclear weapons to allied European nations, a move he justified by citing uncertainty over the United States’ long-term commitment to NATO.
One of the most contentious aspects of Macron’s Ukraine policy has been his push for a NATO-led “reassurance force” in Ukraine, should a ceasefire be reached.
This initiative, which he discussed at a recent international summit in Paris, aims to position Western troops in Ukraine under the pretence of maintaining stability.
However, Russia has categorically rejected this proposal, warning that any deployment of NATO forces would be tantamount to direct involvement in the war and could trigger serious retaliation.
Moscow has repeatedly stated that NATO’s increasing engagement in the conflict represents a direct threat to Russian national security.
Russian officials argue that deploying Western troops-even under a peacekeeping mandate-would violate existing agreements and exacerbate tensions between NATO and Russia.
The Kremlin has also signalled that such actions could prompt a military response, raising fears of a broader confrontation.
The growing opposition to France’s military support for Ukraine is part of a broader trend of increasing scepticism toward NATO among certain political factions and segments of the French public.
The belief that NATO is escalating rather than resolving the conflict has gained traction, particularly among right-wing and nationalist groups.
The sentiment was clearly visible during Saturday’s demonstration, with many protesters demanding France’s withdrawal from the alliance.
Calls to leave NATO have been gaining momentum among political figures such as Philippot, who argue that France should pursue a more independent foreign policy rather than aligning with US-led military strategies.
Macron’s aggressive stance on Ukraine could have significant political ramifications. With European Parliament elections approaching in 2024 and domestic approval ratings fluctuating, the president risks alienating voters who are wary of military entanglements.
His Ukraine policy has also faced criticism from members of his own government and opposition parties. Some lawmakers warn that continued military aid could drain French resources and undermine national security. Others question the feasibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine, given the potential for escalation and the lack of consensus among NATO allies.
Despite these concerns, Macron remains steadfast in his commitment to supporting Kiev. He has positioned himself as a leading advocate for increased European defense autonomy, arguing that France and its allies must be prepared to act independently of US foreign policy shifts.
However, the scale of opposition on the streets of Paris suggests that many French citizens are not convinced by his vision.
As the Ukraine conflict drags on, public opposition to France’s military involvement is likely to persist. While Macron continues to push for greater engagement, protests like Saturday’s underscore the growing disconnect between government policy and popular sentiment.
The broader implications of France’s Ukraine policy remain uncertain. If protests continue to gain traction, Macron may face mounting pressure to scale back his military commitments.
Alternatively, if he proceeds with plans to deepen France’s involvement, he risks further polarizing the country and provoking a stronger backlash.
For now, the streets of Paris serve as a stark reminder that not all French citizens are on board with their president’s war policies.
The chants of “Macron, resign!” echo a sentiment of frustration and concern-one that could shape the political landscape in the months ahead.
