Macron’s safety entourage shortly intervened to tug the person to the bottom and transfer Macron away from him. Two folks have been arrested in reference to the incident, broadcasters BFM TV and RMC radio reported.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex mentioned the incident was an affront to democracy.
The incident came about whereas Macron was on a go to to the Drome area in south-eastern France, the place he met restaurateurs and college students to speak about how life is returning to regular after the Covid-19 epidemic.
President #Macron slapped throughout incident in southeast #France https://t.co/OYtsmIq0Ga
— Mahwish (@mahwishNY) 1623160485000
In video circulating on social media, Macron, wearing shirt sleeves, could possibly be seen strolling in the direction of a crowd of well-wishers who have been behind a steel barrier.
The French President reached out his hand to greet one man, in a inexperienced T-Shirt, with glasses and a face masks.
The person could possibly be heard shouting out “Down with Macronia” (“A Bas La Macronie”) after which he delivered a slap to Macron’s face.
Two of Macron’s safety element tackled the person within the inexperienced T-shirt, whereas one other ushered Macron away. However Macron remained within the neighborhood of the gang for a couple of extra seconds, and seemed to be speaking to somebody on the opposite facet of the limitations.
The presidential administration mentioned there had been an try and strike Macron, however declined additional remark.
The establish of the person who slapped Macron, and his motives, have been unclear. Whereas slapping the President, he could possibly be heard shouting “Montjoie Saint Denis,” which was the battle cry of the French armies when the nation was nonetheless a monarchy.