MyMemeCards editorial team
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Lions led by donkeys” is a rare card of the French Politics pack, number 41 of the collection, and the 66th 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 “Lions led by donkeys” meme mean?
This expression conveys civic anger and a sense of injustice regarding perceived governmental incompetence. It suggests that the population possesses latent strength (the lions) but remains subjected to weak or corrupt direction (the donkeys). The dominant emotion is indignation mixed with a call for peaceful or active revolt. The meme serves to criticize the political establishment by highlighting the gap between popular aspirations and administrative reality. It also expresses a form of diverted national pride: the people are noble, but their representation is ridiculous. It is a powerful rhetorical tool to mobilize discontented voters.
Where does the “Lions led by donkeys” meme come from?
The exact phrase was spoken by Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, candidate for Debout la France, on April 20, 2017, at the Cirque d’Hiver in Paris. During his last rally before the first round of the presidential election, he addressed approximately 1,500 supporters. He stated: “France is a country of lions led by donkeys! Roar like lions and get rid of the donkeys as quickly as possible.” This formulation was not entirely original; it repeats an expression historically attributed to Georges Clemenceau. However, the precise origin of this old quote is debated. Some sources link it to World War I, while others mention the Crimean War. No certain attribution allows to definitively decide on the initial author. The immediate context was clearly electoral, aiming to galvanize the base against the system in place. The meeting video spread widely online, turning this speech into a popular meme support to criticize elected officials.
- April 2017Nicolas Dupont-Aignan delivers the phrase at his rally at the Cirque d’Hiver in Paris.
How to use the “Lions led by donkeys” meme
- Use this image to comment on an unpopular reform judged clumsy by the government.
- Employ this meme in a discussion about local elections to highlight the gap between citizens and their representatives.
- Share this reference during a general criticism of public administration to illustrate perceived incompetence.
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The “Lions led by donkeys” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 041 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | French Politics pack |
| Fame | 76/100 · #66 of 127 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Lions led by donkeys” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Lions led by donkeys comes out of the French Politics pack as a rare 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 10 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 “Lions led by donkeys”
More cards of the French Politics pack
Frequently asked questions
What does lions led by donkeys mean?
It is a quote by Nicolas Dupont-Aignan contrasting the strength of the people with the weakness of leaders.
Who said lions led by donkeys?
Nicolas Dupont-Aignan popularized it in 2017, although it is often attributed to Georges Clemenceau.
Origin of lions and donkeys expression?
The historical origin is uncertain, linked either to World War I or to the Crimean War.
Dupont-aignean lions donkeys true or false?
The quote is true, pronounced on April 20, 2017, at the Cirque d’Hiver in front of his voters.
How do I get the Lions led by donkeys meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Lions led by donkeys” is a rare 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 Lions led by donkeys card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Nicolas Dupont-Aignan durcit le ton contre le « système » · Les Français sont des lions dirigés par des ânes ! · Des lions menés par des ânes - C. GAVE - Politique & Société · checked on October 8, 2026.
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Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.