•Macron’s €2 Billion Arms Package Sparks Outrage Amid Rising NATO Involvement
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Paris on Saturday to protest against French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to allocate an additional €2 billion ($2.16 billion) in military aid to Ukraine.
The rally, organized by the nationalist political party The Patriots, led by former National Rally politician Florian Philippot, reflected growing public discontent over France’s deepening involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Macron’s New Military Aid Package
The demonstration came in response to Macron’s recent announcement on Wednesday, where he pledged the latest tranche of military assistance to Kiev. The package includes surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, and drones.
This follows weeks of Macron’s efforts to rally support for a controversial initiative proposing the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine in a peacekeeping capacity—an idea that has been met with skepticism both domestically and internationally.
Chants Against NATO and French Leadership
Protesters flooded the streets of the French capital, chanting slogans such as “Macron, we don’t want your war!” and “Let’s quickly leave NATO!” In video footage shared by RT, demonstrators were also seen carrying placards with slogans like “Macron, we will not die for Ukraine.”
The protest marks yet another instance of public pushback against the French government’s foreign policy stance.
Philippot, who has positioned himself as a leading voice against NATO and Western military interventions, celebrated the turnout 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!” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Growing Anti-War Sentiment in France
This is not the first time The Patriots have mobilized against Macron’s foreign policy. Earlier this month, the party organized protests after the French president proposed deploying France’s nuclear weapons in other European allied states, citing uncertainties over Washington’s commitment to European security.
Macron has continued to push for greater European defense autonomy, arguing that the continent should not rely solely on the United States for security.
However, his proposal to introduce NATO troops into Ukraine has been met with strong opposition from Moscow.
Russia’s Response and NATO’s Role
Following an international summit in Paris on Thursday, Macron unveiled a French-British plan to push for the deployment of troops to Ukraine as a “reassurance force” in the event of a ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow.
While details remain unclear, the move has sparked fears of escalating Western involvement in the conflict.
Russia has categorically rejected the idea, stating that the deployment of NATO forces—even under the guise of peacekeepers—would amount to direct NATO participation in the war.
The Kremlin has warned that such actions could lead to severe consequences and further deterioration of relations between Moscow and the West.
France’s Divided Public Opinion
As France navigates the complex geopolitics of the Ukraine war, public sentiment remains deeply divided.
While some support Macron’s commitment to aiding Ukraine as part of a broader European security strategy, others argue that increased military involvement risks unnecessary escalation and drags France into a prolonged conflict.
With growing protests and political opposition, Macron faces mounting pressure to justify his military policies.
As the situation in Ukraine evolves, the debate over France’s role in the conflict—and its relationship with NATO—will likely intensify in the coming months.
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