The incident involving French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife, where she seemed to push him aggressively while getting off a flight, was downplayed by Macron’s office on Monday.
Canada must strengthen ties with “reliable allies” Carney tells Macron during Paris visit
During the disembarkation from the plane, Brigitte’s hands seemed to push into his face as the president prepared to exit. Only her arms and hands were visible, dressed in red sleeves, matching her outfit when later descending the plane’s steps with her husband.
She seemed unaware that the plane door was open when the incident occurred. Afterward, Macron briefly waved to the cameras before disappearing with his wife behind a flight attendant.
The couple, married since 2007, then left the aircraft together.
PLUDOVIC MARIN / Getty Images
An Elysee official minimized the incident, refuting suggestions of an argument between the couple.
“It was a moment of relaxation and closeness between the president and his wife before the trip, sharing a light-hearted moment,” they stated, as reported by Reuters. “It was not indicative of any dispute.”
Macron’s visit to Vietnam, a former French colony, marks the first by a French leader in nearly a decade, aiming to enhance France’s influence in the region.
Vietnam, with a heavily export-driven economy, has made trade concessions to the U.S. in efforts to avoid 46% tariffs. But concerns in Brussels, home to the EU, revolve around Vietnam potentially favoring American goods at the expense of Europe.
President Donald Trump recently threatened 50% tariffs on EU imports, then relented, setting a July 9 deadline for negotiations between Washington and Brussels.
— Adapted from Reuters
