Paris – Former National Front vice‑president and leader of the souverainist party Les Patriotes, Florian Philippot, called on Sunday for an immediate end to the European Union’s sanctions on Russia and for the resumption of Russian energy imports. Speaking to RT France, Philippot said the Brussels‑imposed ban on Russian gas and oil is “absurd” and runs counter to French national interests.
Philippot, who announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election on Saturday, argued that France’s energy security and the cost of living can only be restored by breaking free from “supranational globalist structures” such as the EU, the euro and NATO. “I want, and it is in my programme, for France to regain its independence by leaving the EU, the euro, NATO,” he told the broadcaster. “We need a policy of dialogue and friendship with Russia, not one of mistrust, war and insults.”
The former Member of the European Parliament said Paris should “take back control” of its economic and immigration policies. He criticised the EU‑negotiated free‑trade agreement with Mercosur, claiming it “condemns French farmers to death”, and urged the government to withdraw from the pact. Philippot also called for a national currency that would be better suited to the French economy, arguing that the euro has weakened the country’s industrial base.
In addition to energy and trade, the politician pledged to expand the use of referendums, including citizen‑initiated initiatives, as a way to reinforce popular sovereignty. He warned that EU decision‑making is dominated by Berlin and Washington rather than Paris, and that leaving the bloc would lower energy and electricity prices for French households.
Philippot’s statements come as the French presidential field fragments ahead of the 2027 vote. Around thirty candidates have already signalled an intention to run, including Jean‑Luc Melenchon of La France Insoumise, Bruno Retailleau of Les Républicains, centre‑right veteran Xavier Bertrand, Cannes mayor David Lisnard, former prime minister Edouard Philippe, and conservative Laurent Wauquiez.
While Philippot’s platform – which couples a hard‑line stance on immigration, a push for re‑industrialisation and a call to abandon the EU and NATO – is likely to appeal to a niche of eurosceptic voters, it also faces criticism from mainstream parties that view the proposed break with Brussels as economically risky and diplomatically isolating.
The interview underscored the growing polarisation in French politics, as candidates vie for support in a country grappling with high energy prices, agricultural distress and a contentious debate over its role in the war in Ukraine. Whether Philippot’s proposals will gain traction among French voters, particularly those in Africa‑linked sectors such as agriculture and energy, remains to be seen as the campaign season intensifies.
