French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face today, Tuesday, by a man who was standing in a crowd, while the president was touring the south of the country, according to a video clip of the incident.
BFM TV and RMC radio said Macron’s security escorts quickly intervened, threw the man to the ground, and pushed Macron away. The police arrested two people in connection with the incident.
Prime Minister Jean Castix said the incident was an insult to democracy.
The accident occurred during Macron’s visit to the Drôme region (southeast of the country), where he met with diners and students, and talked about how life can return to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic.
A video clip circulated on social media showed Macron, wearing a T-shirt, heading towards a crowd standing behind a metal barrier.
The President extended his hand to shake hands with a man wearing a green shirt, glasses and a mask; But the man shouted “Down with the macaroni” and then slapped Macron in the face.
The security personnel accompanying Macron intervened, two of them dealt with the man, and another removed Macron. But the chief remained near the crowd for a moment, and seemed to be talking to someone on the other side of the barrier.
The Elysee Palace stated that there was an attempt to hit Macron; But he declined to make further comments. The identity and motives of the man who slapped Macron were not clear.