It was founded in 1999 by Gaullist former Interior Minister Charles Pasqua, then allied with Philippe de Villiers (ex-UDF).

The RPF aimed to fight against globalisation and European federalism.

The new party enjoyed early electoral success when it placed second in the 1999 European Parliament election in France, scoring 13 percent of the vote and winning 13 seats.

However, Philippe de Villiers' departure in late 2000, in order to refound his Movement for France, severely damaged the party and Pasqua failed to run in the 2002 Presidential elections.

Furthermore, the RPF suffered several setbacks in various elections and failed to regain much of its 1999-2000 momentum.