French President Macron’s embrace and kiss with French Sports Minister

Eyebrows were raised when an image showing President Macron’s embrace and kiss of his Sports Minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera, during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics went viral on social media. In the widely shared photo, President Emmanuel Macron is seen tightly embracing Ms. Oudea-Castera, who is also captured planting a kiss close to Mr. Macron’s face, reported The Telegraph.

Public Reaction and Controversy

The photograph of President Macron’s embrace and kiss quickly went viral, leading to a flurry of commentary and speculation online. In the image, Macron is seen firmly gripping Oudea-Castera’s arm while she embraces him closely. The awkwardness of the interaction was heightened by the presence of French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who is visibly turning away as Oudea-Castera leans in for the hug. The scene has elicited varied responses from the public, with some likening the embrace to a lover’s hug and questioning its appropriateness.

Comments on social media have ranged from criticism to humor, reflecting the public’s discomfort with the display. One user remarked, “Gabriel Attal, he pretends to look elsewhere! He doesn’t know where to stand,” highlighting the awkwardness of the moment. Another user expressed embarrassment, saying, “It’s my lover that I’m kissing like this. Embarrassing,” while a third commenter on X noted, “I find this photo indecent, it’s not worthy of a president and a minister.” The reaction from some users even suggested that Macron’s wife, Brigitte, might not approve of the display, with one user commenting, “Brigitte (Macron’s wife) won’t like it.”

Despite the criticism, some defended the gesture as a reflection of French customs. They argued that the kiss and hug were in line with typical French social behavior, where kissing on the cheeks is a common form of greeting. One user tweeted, “The French are known for kissing on both cheeks as a greeting. Vive La France!” This perspective suggests that the response to President Macron’s embrace and kiss might be an overreaction and that the gesture was simply an expression of enthusiasm and goodwill.

The image of President Macron’s embrace and kiss gained additional attention as it was published for the first time in the French magazine Madame Figaro. The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, hosted on the Seine River, was a significant and historic event. A flotilla of 85 boats carried 7,500 competitors down a six-kilometer stretch of the river, marking a grand kickoff to the games. For Macron, the ceremony was also a symbolic victory following a turbulent period in French politics, including a snap parliamentary election prompted by concerns over the far-right’s potential rise.

The controversy surrounding Oudea-Castera is not new. Earlier this month, she made headlines by diving into the Seine River to address concerns about the presence of E. Coli and other pathogens in the water, an action intended to reassure Olympic participants. However, the quality of the water remained a concern, leading to the postponement of several events, including the men’s triathlon. Additionally, Oudea-Castera’s brief tenure as minister of education was marked by controversy, including criticism of government-run public schools, which led to her dismissal from the position.

In summary, President Macron’s embrace and kiss has sparked a significant amount of discussion and controversy. The reaction to the photo reflects broader debates about public displays of affection by public figures and the cultural norms surrounding such gestures. As the Paris Olympics continue, the focus will likely shift back to the games and the ongoing challenges faced by the organizers and officials.

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