The Patriots

The French Patriots (Les Patriotes) is a political party in France that was founded in 2017 by Florian Philippot, who was formerly a high-ranking member of the National Front (now National Rally), led by Marine Le Pen. The creation of The Patriots represented a splintering from the National Front, motivated by ideological differences and disputes over the direction of the party, particularly in the aftermath of the 2017 French presidential and legislative elections.

The Patriots position themselves as a nationalist, Eurosceptic party, advocating for France's sovereignty against…   what they perceive as the overreach of the European Union. They argue for a reevaluation of France's membership in the EU, including the possibility of leaving the EU if certain reforms are not achieved, a stance often referred to as "Frexit" by analogy with Brexit. This Euroscepticism is central to their platform, reflecting a broader skepticism towards globalism and supranational institutions.

In terms of domestic policy, The Patriots emphasize the importance of French identity, culture, and heritage, advocating for policies that they believe will protect these against the forces of globalization and immigration. They argue for stricter immigration controls and measures to prioritize French citizens in the job market and social services, reflecting a broader nationalist and protectionist economic stance.

The party also champions the cause of direct democracy, proposing mechanisms such as referendums to allow the French people to have a more direct say in major legislative and policy decisions. This approach is seen as a way to counteract what they view as the disconnect between the political elite and the general populace.

Despite these positions, The Patriots have struggled to gain significant traction in the French political landscape, overshadowed by more established parties, including the National Rally from which they split. Their message, however, resonates with a segment of the French population that is disillusioned with traditional political parties and skeptical of France's future within the European Union.