Exclusive

Gilets Jaunes founder warns Frexit could cause 'domino effect'

20 February 2020, 16:10

Yellow vest protesters on the streets of Paris
Yellow vest protesters on the streets of Paris. Picture: PA

By Megan White

One of the founders of France’s Gilets Jaunes movement has said she is “not afraid” of the idea of Frexit, but it would be “like a domino effect” if the country left the EU.

Priscillia Ludosky prompted the birth of the Yellow Vest protests in 2018 when she published an online petition about the need for lower taxes on essential goods in France.

The petition, started with Eric Drouet and Maxime Nicolle, also called for a lower pensions for senior officials, and was signed by almost 1.2 million people, sparking riots on the streets of France.

In an exclusive interview with LBC’s Tom Swarbrick, Ms Ludosky discussed the possibility of France leaving the EU and the importance of the British government respecting the result of the Brexit referendum.

Priscillia Ludosky helped found the Gilets Jaunes in 2018
Priscillia Ludosky helped found the Gilets Jaunes in 2018. Picture: PA

Asked if the Gilet Jaune movement felt motivated by Brexit, she said: “I don’t know if people are ready for it, but I know it’s a big subject in the bigger family of Yellow Vests.

“It’s difficult to say if people want that or not, if they’re saying that Frexit could be a solution, but I think it’s a debate that the government doesn’t want us to have, but it’s deeply debated in the Assembly.

“Personally I’m not afraid of it, I think if a big country such as France asked for Frexit, it would be like a domino effect, maybe I’m not right, but maybe it’s a domino effect and maybe Spain would go.

“I think the European Treaty should be updated, I don’t know if it’s a solution to leave but I think it’s necessary to give the possibility for more power over our own country and to review the treaty.”

When asked what she thought would happen if Britain had remained in the EU despite the leave vote winning the referendum, Ms Ludosky said: “I think the fact Brexit was done is an occasion to see.

“On one side, you have France who are the big social movements, wanted to change that representative democracy, and on the other side you have Brexit.

“I think both will have lessons to be learned about that experience.”

She said she “wasn’t celebrating” Brexit, but said it proved democracy did work.

Ms Ludosky added: “In France, the last referendum [against the European Constitution] wasn’t listened to, so yes, when the people are listened to, it’s important to be respected.

“It’s the first step in participative democracy.”

Listen to the full interview on Tom Swarbrick’s Rule Britannia podcast, out Friday.

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Catholic primary school teacher caught moonlighting as OnlyFans model triggers government response

Catholic primary school teacher caught moonlighting as OnlyFans model triggers government response

Harshita Bella, 24 was found dead in the boot of a car

Officers in Harshita Brella case investigated after murdered woman contacted police about domestic violence

Washington, United States. 17th Mar, 2025. Irish mixed martial artist Conor McGregor speaks briefly to the media in the White House Press briefing Room in Washington, DC, on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Conor McGregor announces plan to run for Irish President following White House meeting with Trump

The Prince of Wales holds a phone to take a selfie during a walkabout to meet members of the public in Tallinn, on the first day of his visit to Estonia. Picture date: Thursday March 20, 2025.

Prince of Wales becomes 'King of the selfies' after royal seen posing for pictures with well-wishers in Estonia

Amazon accused of 'pushing propaganda' after mum asks Alexa to name celebrities - and is given list of Republicans

Amazon accused of 'pushing propaganda' after mum asks Alexa for celebrities - and is given Trump, Vance and Musk

The foreign office has beefed up advice for Brits travelling to the US

Britain beefs up travel advice with added warning over US border enforcement

Candidates Compete in Election for IOC Presidency

Kirsty Coventry named new president of International Olympic Committee - as Sebastian Coe loses bid

China is believed to carry out more executions each year than all other countries combined

China sparks international condemnation after executing four Canadians ‘by firing squad’ for drug crimes

Zelenskyy and Starmer have both been discussing the Ukraine war on Thursday

Ruling out NATO membership is a 'gift to Russia', Zelenskyy warns, as Starmer says military plans 'coming into focus'

Trump floats US takeover of Ukraine's nuclear plants - as Cleverly warns Putin will 'play off' President's 'urgency' for deal

Trump floats US takeover of Ukraine's nuclear plants amid fears Putin will 'play off' his 'urgency' for peace deal

Nice, France. 29th Mar, 2022. Emmanuel Macron's presidential election 2022 leaflet seen in Nice. The first round of the French Presidential Election 2022 will take place on Sunday 10th April 2022.

Concerns grow as France issues ‘survival manual’ to prepare citizens for invasion

Washington, United States. 24 February, 2025. U.S President Donald Trump, right, walks with French President Emmanuel Macron, left, following bilateral discussions at the White House, February 24, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Diplomatic row erupts after French researcher expelled from US for expressing 'a personal opinion' on Trump

British Airways Boeing 777-300ER on a sunny day landing at Singapore Changi Airport

BA crew member 'detained in Singapore' after 'raping stewardess colleague on night out during stopover'

A Ryainair Boeing 737 MAX 8-200.

Ryanair passenger claiming to be ‘UN diplomat’ dragged off flight after aggressive outburst

Israeli military tanks positioned along Israel's southern border with the northern Gaza Strip on March 19

Israel launches new 'pinpoint' ground invasion of Gaza alongside bombardment, as renewed offensive deepens

President Trump Hosts Ukrainian President Zelensky At The White House

Zelenskyy says he had 'positive, substantive and frank' call with Trump as US claims 'we are on track for peace'