France has modified its flag to change the blue to a darker navy tone. This takes the country’s tricolour flag back to its post-French revolution version. The change is said to have cost the French government €5,000.
The change was secretly made by the French Presidency last year in July but was unnoticed until now. The statement released by Élysée Palace said, “The President of the Republic (Emmanuel Macron) has chosen for the tricolour flags that adorn the Élysée Palace the navy blue that evokes the imagination of the Volunteers of Year II, the Poilus of 1914 and the Compagnons de la Libération of Free France.” The statement’s reference to the Volunteers of Year II refers to the men who volunteered to join the army in 1791 and led the Revolution against a Prussia-led coalition. The release also highlighted that the newly adopted version is the same one that is flown under the Arc de Triomphe each year on November 11, Armistice Day.
The change of blue of the flags adorning the Elysée Palace was first made a year ago but went largely unnoticed.
— euronews (@euronews) November 15, 2021
Previously, the shade was lighter to match the blue of the EU flag as decided by President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1976.
👇 Check out the difference in shade: pic.twitter.com/O9xb8DvSsx
Prior to this change, the flag featured a lighter version of the blue to match the European Union’s flag. This was decided by former President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing in 1976. As a strong supporter of the bloc, d’Estaing said that the change would avoid a clash of the blues, as the two flags were often flown together.
There have been various theories floated about the change. According to officials cited by The Guardian, the navy blue was considered to be “more elegant” and also helped “reconnect with a symbol of the French Revolution.” However, some others believe that the change from the European Union’s blue represents a rift between the bloc and France, which is set to take up the presidency of the bloc next year. However, this theory was denied by the President’s aides.
The flag has appeared behind Macron’s speeches since his December 31, 2018’s address. In 2018, he also added the Lorraine cross to the Presidency’s logo. This was considered to be a reference to General Charles de Gaulle, whose 50th death anniversary was celebrated in 2020.
Some believe that these changes have been brought in by Macron to secure nationalist support during next year’s presidential election, which is set to take place in April. The changes, however, could backfire, as Macron may face criticism for changing significant and historic national symbols.