Rémi Gaillard, the world-renowned French YouTuber and animal rights activist, has successfully transitioned from viral pranks to a legitimate, albeit unconventional, force in local French politics.
2026 Municipal Elections (Montpellier)
In the first round of the 2026 French municipal elections held on March 15, Gaillard was eliminated after receiving 8.21% of the vote. Despite a highly publicized campaign under the slogan “Yes We Clown,” he failed to reach the 10% threshold required to qualify for the second round. His 2026 platform focused on direct democracy, animal welfare (banning circuses with animals), and ecological urban projects.
His 2026 campaign was marked by several key developments:
- Legal Battle over Propaganda: The state initially banned his official “profession of foi” (campaign leaflet), claiming its colors—blue, beige, and red—too closely resembled the French national flag. Gaillard successfully challenged this in court, winning the right to distribute it just days before the vote.
- Campaign Distribution Issues: Even after his legal victory, Gaillard alleged that local authorities failed to properly distribute his leaflets to mailboxes, leading him to threaten a formal appeal against the election results.
Final Note
Many in France believe the establishment intentionally sabotaged Rémi Gaillard’s campaign. Looking at Montpellier’s Socialist mayor, Michaël Delafosse, it’s hard not to see a leader who operates more like a syndicate boss than a public servant. In fact, many locals feel the city is being run by a criminal element. France shouldn’t be lecturing anyone on democracy while its own ‘established power’ works to ruthlessly eliminate fresh, honest voices.
Remi Gaillard should dispute the elections results in Montpelier.