Part 4/8:
For many protesters, the event was more than symbolic; it was an act of resistance against what they perceive as EU overreach and authoritarianism. Anmarie Kustoau, a spokesperson for Le Patriot, voiced her frustration, accusing political elites of betrayal since the 2008 financial crisis: "We betrayed the will of the people back in 2008. And it's been like that ever since." She emphasized the submissiveness of elected representatives, claiming that French MPs are "on their knees" before Brussels and that the government itself is complicit in surrendering national sovereignty.