French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting a vocational school in the town of Montpellier when he was slapped in the face by a man in the crowd. The incident, which was caught on video and quickly went viral, has sent shockwaves through France and the world.
The video of the incident shows Macron walking towards a crowd of people who are gathered behind a security barrier. As he approaches, a man in a green T-shirt reaches out and slaps him in the face, while shouting "Montjoie Saint Denis," a medieval war cry associated with French royalists.
The incident has been widely condemned by politicians and public figures from across the political spectrum in France. Macron himself called it an "isolated act," and said that he was "fine," but that it was a "symbolic moment" for France.
However, the incident has also raised concerns about Macron's safety and the potential for political violence in France. Macron has been the target of numerous threats and attacks since he was elected in 2017, including a failed knife attack in 2018.
The fact that the attacker in this case was able to get so close to Macron, despite the heavy security presence at the event, has raised questions about the effectiveness of France's security measures. Macron himself has called for a "return to calm" and for the need to "respect the institutions of our democracy."
But despite Macron's calls for calm, there are concerns that the incident could fuel a further rise in political violence and extremism in France. Macron has been a controversial figure in France since he was elected, with his pro-European Union and pro-business policies angering many on the left and right.
Some have suggested that the incident could make Macron even more determined to push through his agenda, and that he could become more dangerous as a result. Macron is known for his combative style, and has shown a willingness to take on powerful interests in France, such as the trade unions and the railway workers.
The incident has also raised concerns about the wider political climate in France. The country has been deeply divided in recent years, with tensions running high over issues such as immigration, terrorism, and the economy.
The rise of far-right and far-left political movements in France has also contributed to the polarisation of French society. Some have suggested that the incident could be a sign of a wider breakdown in the social and political fabric of France, and that it could lead to further violence and unrest.
In conclusion, the slapping of Emmanuel Macron has sent shockwaves through France and the world, raising concerns about his safety and the potential for political violence in France. While Macron has called for calm and for the need to respect democratic institutions, there are concerns that the incident could fuel a further rise in political extremism and violence in France. Macron's combative style and determination to push through his agenda could make him even more dangerous as a result. The incident is a stark reminder of the deep divisions in French society and the need for greater dialogue and understanding between different political groups.