France President Emmanuel Macron slapped in face; 2 arrested
What's the story
French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face during a walkabout in southern France on Tuesday. The incident, which took place in Tain-l'Hermitage, was captured on camera and the video is now circulating online. The words "A Bas La Macronie" ("Down with Macron-ism") can be heard in the video. According to French media, two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Video
Man in crowd slapped Macron; security quickly intervened
In the video, Macron—wearing a white shirt and black trousers—can be seen approaching a crowd standing behind a barricade. Macron approaches a man and shakes his hand. The words "A Bas La Macronie" are heard before Macron is slapped across the face. Security personnel quickly intervene and distance Macron from the assailant. Macron continues to walk along the barricade for a few more seconds.
Twitter Post
You can watch the clip here
French President Emmanuel Macron has been slapped by a man during a trip to southeast France pic.twitter.com/7vyYlpuzS2
— TRT World (@trtworld) June 8, 2021
Details
Macron was meeting restaurateurs and students
According to Reuters, Macron was visiting the Drome region where he was meeting restaurateurs and students. He spoke about how life is now returning to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit came a day before bars and restaurants are allowed to reopen to indoor customers after seven months of closure. Reportedly, two people were arrested in connection with the incident.
Reaction
'Democracy must never mean violence,' says PM
In the National Assembly, Prime Minister Jean Castex said while democracy means debate and legitimate disagreement, "it must never, in any case, mean violence, verbal aggression, and even less physical attack," BBC reported. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon expressed "solidarity with the President" on Twitter. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said, "While democratic debate can be bitter, it can never tolerate physical violence."