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“I will not withdraw” meme: meaning, origin and common card

"I will not withdraw" refers to a statement by François Fillon in March 2017.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 6 min read
I will not withdraw meme
The “I will not withdraw” meme, 2017

In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “I will not withdraw” is a common card of the French Politics pack, number 30 of the collection, and the 83rd best-known meme of its 127 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.

What does the “I will not withdraw” meme mean?

The expression conveys unwavering determination in the face of adversity or criticism. It is often used to illustrate stubborn refusal to change one's mind or abandon a stance, even when it becomes untenable or absurd. The ironic addition "Promise kept" highlights the gap between bold words and subsequent reality.

Where does the “I will not withdraw” meme come from?

The meme originates from a press conference held by François Fillon, then a Republican candidate in the 2017 French presidential election. On March 1, 2017, from his Paris campaign headquarters, he announced his summons by investigating judges regarding alleged fake jobs for his wife and children. He solemnly declared: "I will not give in. I will not surrender. I will not withdraw. I will go to the end because beyond my person, it is democracy that is challenged." The video was widely broadcast by national media like TF1. The suffix "Promise kept" appeared later, adding irony since Fillon maintained his candidacy before being convicted. The exact origin of this specific meme format remains unknown.

  1. March 1, 2017François Fillon delivers his declaration of determination during a press conference.

How to use the “I will not withdraw” meme

  • Use it when someone persists in an obvious mistake without admitting fault.
  • Apply it to mock a political or personal decision made with excessive firmness against evidence.
  • Use it to remind viewers that a public promise of resistance ended in failure or legal sanction.

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The “I will not withdraw” card in MyMemeCards

I will not withdraw card
NumberNo. 030
RarityCommon
CollectionFrench Politics pack
Fame70/100 · #83 of 127
Recycle value5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny)
Rarities of the French Politics pack: 127 cards
  • Common4535%
  • Rare4737%
  • Epic2016%
  • Legendary107.9%
  • Mythic53.9%

How to get the “I will not withdraw” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; I will not withdraw comes out of the French Politics pack as a common card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.

Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 5 MemeCoins.

Open your free pack

5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.

Free · no account needed

Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art 0.8%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details

Memes like “I will not withdraw”

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Every card of the French Politics pack →

Frequently asked questions

What does I will not withdraw mean?

This phrase summarizes François Fillon's response to his judicial summons in 2017. It symbolizes his resolve to continue his presidential campaign despite serious allegations.

Why did Fillon say I will not withdraw?

He responded to his summons by judges in the fake jobs affair. He framed it as an attack on democracy and refused to back down.

Fillon promise kept true or false?

It is an ironic remark. Fillon indeed did not withdraw his candidacy immediately, but he was convicted later, spiritually invalidating his promise of innocence.

Who is François Fillon?

A former French Prime Minister, he was the Republican candidate for the 2017 presidential election when he gave this famous declaration.

How do I get the I will not withdraw meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “I will not withdraw” is a common card of the French Politics pack. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the I will not withdraw card?

It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.

Sources: VIDÉO : Fillon annonce sa future mise en examen mais maintient sa candidature | TF1 Info · François Fillon tient bon face aux juges · L'affaire Pénélope Fillon · checked on October 8, 2026.

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