France withdraws EU flag from Arc de Triomphe after sparking criticism

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The European flag from the famous Arc de Triomphe monument in Paris was withdrawn over the weekend after its placement drew criticism among right-wing politicians.

French officials said the European flag had been removed in accordance with its planned installation, while right-wing politicians called it a victory in itself.

Far-right politicians had alleged that the French flag had been withdrawn and replaced by the European flag, which French government officials denied.

“There was no French flag which was withdrawn from the Arc de Triomphe, it was not replaced by the European flag,” French Minister of European Affairs Clément Beaune said, adding that he it was a “bold step” for Europe.

“The European flag was put up where there was nothing,” Beaune explained.

The symbol was intended to mark France’s accession to the presidency of the Council of the EU over the next six months.

Beaune denied that the government’s rapid withdrawal of the EU flag a day after its installation was a reversal of its policy.

Several French presidential candidates started their campaign before the April 2022 elections.

Right-wing presidential candidate Valérie Pécresse said President Emmanuel Macron had a problem with French history, while far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen hailed a “patriotic victory”.

Left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, meanwhile, said the government should respect the protocol to always have the EU flag with that of France, denouncing the decision as a “communicative whim”.

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