French National Rally Mayors Remove EU Flags from Town Halls

Newly elected mayors from France's National Rally party have removed European Union flags from town halls in several municipalities following recent local elections, a move they describe as a symbol of national sovereignty.

The actions began in late March 2026, shortly after the party's victories in small and midsized towns. In Carcassonne, Mayor Christophe Barthès personally took down the EU flag and posted footage on social media, stating, "Out with the European flags at the town hall, in with the French flags!" He emphasized that "the only flag that is valid in my eyes is the French flag," leaving the French tricolour and the regional Occitanie flag in place. Similar steps followed in Harnes, where Mayor Anthony Garénaux-Glinkowski removed both the EU and Ukrainian flags; Cagnes-sur-Mer, led by Mayor Bryan Masson; and Canohès, under Mayor Carla Muti. These gestures occurred without formal party directives, according to RN officials.

No French law requires municipalities to display the EU flag on town halls, aside from Europe Day on May 9. The French flag itself is mandatory only during national ceremonies, official welcomes of foreign leaders, or periods of mourning. Schools,...