French President Emmanuel Macron recently found himself in the spotlight for an unexpected incident involving his wife, Brigitte Macron. The couple was disembarking from a flight in Vietnam when Brigitte appeared to push Emmanuel in the face. This moment caught the attention of onlookers and quickly sparked discussions online.
The incident took place as the Macrons arrived in Vietnam at the start of a Southeast Asia tour. Video footage shows Brigitte’s hands making contact with Emmanuel’s face just as they were about to exit the presidential aircraft. In the clip, her red-sleeved arms are visible, matching her outfit as they walked down the plane’s steps together.
Despite the apparent shove, an official from the Élysée Palace downplayed the incident. The spokesperson claimed it was a light-hearted moment between the couple, emphasizing that they were simply sharing a laugh before the trip began. “It was a moment of closeness,” the official stated, dismissing any notion that the interaction indicated a disagreement.
After the brief altercation, Emmanuel waved to cameras before the couple moved behind a flight attendant. They then continued to disembark together, appearing composed.
This visit marks a significant moment for Macron, as it is the first trip by a French leader to Vietnam in nearly a decade. Macron aims to strengthen France’s influence in the region, especially as Vietnam navigates trade relations with the United States amid rising tensions.
The incident has drawn attention not only for its unexpected nature but also for the context of the Macrons’ relationship. The couple has been married since 2007 and is often seen together in public engagements.
As they embark on this diplomatic mission, the focus will be on how Macron engages with Vietnamese leaders and the broader implications for French interests in Southeast Asia.