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الوسم: Macron

  • Trump quips Macron’s wife treats him ‘badly’

    Trump quips Macron’s wife treats him ‘badly’

    During a private lunch on Wednesday, President Donald Trump teased the French president and his wife, criticizing NATO allies for their lack of involvement in the Iran conflict sweeping through the Middle East.

    “I didn’t need them, but I called anyway,” Trump said in a video briefly shared on the White House’s YouTube channel before being taken down.

    He added, “I called Macron—whose wife treats him terribly, still recovering from the punch he took,” referencing a 2025 news clip that seemed to show Brigitte Macron shoving Macron’s face during a trip to Vietnam, an incident Macron dismissed as misinformation.

    “Then I said, ‘Emmanuel, we could really use some help in the Gulf. We’re breaking records eliminating bad actors and intercepting ballistic missiles. Could you send some ships immediately?’” Trump recounted.

    He then mimicked Macron’s supposed reply in a French accent: “‘No, no, no, Donald. We can do that after we win the war.’”

    “I told him, ‘No, Emmanuel—I don’t need help after the war,’” Trump said.

    He expressed skepticism about NATO’s reliability in a major conflict, warning, “I learned that NATO might not be there if the big one happens—by the big one, I mean a major war.” Without elaborating, he also called NATO a “paper tiger,” continuing a series of criticisms from his administration against the alliance since his return to office last year.

    On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the U.S. might reconsider its NATO relationship after the Iran conflict ends.

  • France enhances nuclear arsenal, allies with Europe for deterrence

    France enhances nuclear arsenal, allies with Europe for deterrence

    France plans to enlarge its nuclear arsenal and may permit European allies to host aircraft for nuclear deterrence missions, according to President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. This marks a significant shift in France’s defense policy and signals a major change for Europe.

    Historically, most European nations have relied on the United States for nuclear deterrence, with France and the UK being primary nuclear powers. However, recent geopolitical tensions, including Trump’s warming relations with Russia over Ukraine and his more aggressive stance toward traditional allies, have unsettled European governments. Several countries are now exploring how Paris could extend its nuclear protection.

    “Europe is facing a period of significant geopolitical instability,” Macron stated during a speech at a submarine base in Brittany. He emphasized the need to strengthen France’s deterrence capabilities. Macron also announced that France’s nuclear doctrine would be updated, with increased cooperation with European partners interested in participating.

    Countries such as Germany, Greece, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden could join French nuclear wargames, Macron indicated, expressing confidence that these partners are ready for deeper involvement.

    However, Macron did not specify how France would finance this escalation and underscored that the ultimate decision on nuclear strikes would stay exclusively with the French president.

    In addition, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Macron announced the creation of a nuclear steering group between France and Germany to discuss deterrence strategies, with concrete cooperation beginning within the year. This cooperation would include German forces participating in French nuclear exercises, joint visits to strategic sites, and development of non-nuclear capabilities alongside France and other European partners.

    Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk mentioned on X (formerly Twitter) that Poland is engaging in discussions with France and other close European allies on advanced nuclear deterrence programs, emphasizing unity: “We’re arming ourselves with friends so that enemies will think twice before attacking.”

    Macron also suggested that, under certain unspecified circumstances, strategic assets could be stationed in other European countries as part of a new “forward deterrence” approach. He indicated that Europe’s strategic air forces might be deployed deep within the continent, though he did not provide specifics.

    While France’s nuclear arsenal will increase, Macron stressed the strategy would still be based on “strict sufficiency.” Currently, France spends around €5.6 billion annually to maintain its 290 nuclear warheads, which rank as the world’s fourth-largest arsenal. Britain maintains 225 warheads, while Russia and the US each possess over 5,000.

    Macron reaffirmed France’s ongoing nuclear partnership with Britain, stating that the current policy revision has been conducted transparently with the United States and remains aligned with NATO’s nuclear commitments.

  • Paris’s Last Newspaper Hawker Honored by Macron

    Paris’s Last Newspaper Hawker Honored by Macron

    French President Emmanuel Macron awarded Ali Akbar the Chevalier of the French Order of Merit during a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris on January 28, 2026. Akbar, a 74-year-old newspaper vendor, has been selling newspapers along the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Pres in Paris for over five decades.

    Akbar received this honor recognizing his dedicated service, having been active in the district since 1973. Despite the decline of traditional newspaper hawkers by the mid-1970s, as television took over as the primary news source, Akbar continued his work, bringing a lively spirit of humor and energy to his daily routine to support newspaper sales.

    Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar moved to France in 1973. His initial job involved selling copies of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo to students around the Sorbonne and nearby educational institutions. Over the years, he has become a beloved local figure, gaining recognition from international media and France’s top officials, including President Macron.

  • What’s the Truth Beneath the Surface?

    What’s the Truth Beneath the Surface?

    French President Emmanuel Macron gained attention at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos when he stepped onto the stage wearing eye-catching aviator sunglasses on Tuesday. Macron has been dealing with an eye issue he describes as “completely harmless.” He chose to wear sunglasses during his speech to safeguard his eyes after experiencing a burst blood vessel, according to the Élysée Palace.

    A few days earlier, Macron addressed the topic publicly after being seen sporting sunglasses during an outdoor troop review at a military base in Istres, in southern France. During his remarks, he apologetically mentioned his appearance, saying, “Please excuse the unsightly look of my eye. It’s entirely harmless.” He added with a hint of humor, “Just a little nod to the ‘Eye of the Tiger’… For those who recognize the reference, it’s a sign of resilience,” referencing the 1982 hit song by Survivor featured in the movie Rocky III.

    At Davos, Macron adopted a more assertive stance on global issues. “We prefer respect over bullies,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law over violence. He criticized the United States’ ongoing imposition of new tariffs, calling it “fundamentally unacceptable,” especially when used as leverage against other nations’ sovereignty.

    Macron urged the European Union to stand firm against “the law of the strongest,” labeling it “crazy” that the bloc is considering deploying its anti-coercion measures against the U.S. His comments followed threats from Donald Trump to levy steep tariffs on French wine and champagne and the leaking of private messages exchanged between Macron and Trump—an unusual breach of diplomatic protocol. Trump shared screenshots of the message thread on his social media platform, Truth Social.

    In the messages, Macron expressed confusion over Trump’s actions regarding Greenland and proposed hosting a G7 summit with Russia and other nations. Neither Trump nor Macron’s aides specified when these messages were exchanged. Trump also announced plans to escalate tariffs on European allies, including France, starting February 1, unless the U.S. gains access to Greenland—moves that many EU leaders have condemned as diplomatic blackmail.

  • Macron Shuts Down Bully Tactics After Trump’s Remarks

    Macron Shuts Down Bully Tactics After Trump’s Remarks

    French President Emmanuel Macron stated Tuesday that Europe refuses to submit to bullies or be easily shaken, sharply criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to slap heavy tariffs if Europe doesn’t permit his plans to take control of Greenland.

    While most European leaders have maintained a cautious tone to prevent the transatlantic confrontation from escalating, Macron responded forcefully.

    “France and Europe will not passively accept the law of the strongest,” Macron declared at the World Economic Forum in Davos, adding that yielding would amount to their “vassalization.” Instead, he affirmed that Europe will uphold its sovereignty and the rule of law, despite a perceived global drift toward lawlessness. This stance could lead the EU to impose its own significant trade sanctions.

    “We prefer respect over bullying,” Macron emphasized. “And we prioritize the rule of law over brute force.” During his speech, Macron wore aviator sunglasses, which his office explained was to protect his eyes from a burst blood vessel.

    This speech followed Trump’s threat to impose hefty tariffs on French wine and champagne and his decision to leak a private message from Macron—an unusual breach of diplomatic protocol. Trump had previously announced plans to increase tariffs starting February 1 against several European allies, including France, until the U.S. gains access to Greenland, a move strongly opposed by major EU countries, who condemned it as blackmail.

    Macron condemned the ongoing U.S. escalation of tariffs as “fundamentally unacceptable,” especially when used as leverage against territorial sovereignty.

    The European Union is convening an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday evening to discuss the Greenland issue. The EU had previously suspended tariffs on €93 billion worth of U.S. goods after a trade agreement in summer, but those could be reimposed as early as February 6.

    Macron has also urged the EU to consider activating its Anti-Coercion Instrument, informally dubbed the “trade bazooka,” which could restrict U.S. companies’ participation in EU public procurement or limit trade in services like technology platforms. He called the current situation “crazy.”

    The relationship between Trump and Europe has significantly deteriorated, especially after Trump’s push to claim sovereignty over Greenland, an Arctic island and NATO member Denmark, unsettling European industries and rattling financial markets. Additionally, Trump expressed annoyance over France’s hesitation to join a proposed new international organization, the Board of Peace, which Trump plans to lead. France worries about its potential impact on the United Nations.

    When asked about Macron’s stance on the Board of Peace, Trump joked that he would impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes to compel Macron to join, though Macron does not have to.

    Later, Trump shared on his social media a screenshot of an exchange with Macron, which a source close to Macron confirmed as authentic. In the message, Macron expressed confusion over Trump’s Greenland strategy and proposed hosting a G7 meeting including Russia and others. The timing of those messages was not disclosed.

    Macron has no plans to stay in Davos beyond Tuesday, as Trump arrives. Macron explained, “I don’t need to change my schedule,” and noted he had planned to leave that evening.

    Since becoming president in 2017, Macron’s relationship with Trump has fluctuated — sometimes friendly, sometimes more confrontational. French officials defend Macron’s direct engagement with Trump, saying they often communicate through informal calls and texts outside official diplomatic channels. Macron’s aides believe Trump targets him because Macron stands up for democratic principles.

    “Ahead of resisting, France becomes a target,” said Macron associate Pieyre-Alexandre Langlade.

  • French PM escapes no-confidence votes following pension concession

    French PM escapes no-confidence votes following pension concession

    French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu successfully navigated two parliamentary confidence votes on Thursday, securing essential support from the Socialist Party by promising to suspend President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reforms.

    The motions, filed by the far-left France Unbowed and the far-right National Rally (RN), garnered only 271 and 144 votes respectively—well below the 289 votes needed to topple Lecornu’s newly formed government.

    Lecornu’s commitment to temporarily halt the pension overhaul until after the 2027 presidential elections played a pivotal role in gaining Socialist backing, giving the government a vital reprieve amid a deeply divided National Assembly.

    Despite this victory, the votes highlighted the fragile nature of Macron’s administration at the midpoint of his final term.

    “Today, a coalition formed through backroom deals managed to save their positions at the expense of the nation’s interest,” said RN leader Jordan Bardella on X.

    The French bond market remained stable following the votes, with investors broadly expecting the government’s victory.

    Lecornu Confronts Tough Budget Battles

    By putting pension reform on hold, Lecornu risks undoing one of Macron’s key economic achievements at a time when France’s public finances are in critical condition, leaving Macron with few tangible domestic successes after nearly a decade in office.

    Of the 265 lawmakers who promised to topple Lecornu, only a few defectors from other parties joined forces against him.

    Had Lecornu lost either confidence vote, he and his cabinet would have been forced to resign immediately, likely prompting Macron to call a snap election—potentially deepening the country’s political crisis.

    However, even with the votes secured, Lecornu faces weeks of difficult negotiations over the scaled-back 2026 budget, during which he could be ousted at any moment.

    “French citizens need to see that we’re working tirelessly to deliver a budget that’s vital for our nation’s future,” said Yael Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly and Macron’s ally.

    Following their pension concession, the Socialists are now pushing for a billionaire tax inclusion in the 2026 budget, underscoring how tenuous Lecornu’s bargaining position remains.

    Political Challenges in France

    France is experiencing its most severe political crisis in decades as minority governments struggle to pass deficit-cutting budgets amid a legislature divided into three major ideological blocks.

    Reforming France’s generous pension system has long been difficult political terrain, dating back to Socialist President Francois Mitterrand’s decision to lower the retirement age from 65 to 60 in 1982.

    Currently, the average effective retirement age in France is just 60.7 years—compared to the OECD average of 64.4 years.

    Macron’s reform proposal increases the statutory retirement age by two years — to 64 by 2030 — aligning France more closely with other EU countries, yet still eroding a cherished social benefit favored by many on the left.

  • France’s Macron Rehires Lecornu as Prime Minister in a Future-Forward Move

    France’s Macron Rehires Lecornu as Prime Minister in a Future-Forward Move

    French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as Prime Minister on Friday, just days after Lecornu’s resignation from the position. This move has sparked outrage among Macron’s most vocal political opponents, who have vowed to oppose the formation of the new government. At 47 years old, Macron is pinning his hopes on Lecornu to secure enough support in a deeply divided parliament to pass the 2026 budget. Confronted with France’s most severe political crisis in decades, many of Macron’s rivals are demanding either new parliamentary elections or Macron’s resignation.

    Reactions from the far-left and far-right to Lecornu’s appointment have been harsh, indicating that his second term as PM might be just as challenging as his brief first stint, which lasted only 27 days before he resigned. Jordan Bardella, head of the National Rally, labeled the new government as “a bad joke, a democratic disgrace, and a humiliation for the French people,” criticizing Macron’s increasing isolation and out-of-touch attitude at the Elysee Palace.

    Lecornu’s immediate focus is to present a budget to parliament by the upcoming Monday. He expressed on X (formerly Twitter) that he accepts the duty to deliver a budget for 2026 and address the everyday issues faced by citizens, emphasizing the need to end the political instability that frustrates the French populace and damages France’s reputation. He also stated that members of his government would need to relinquish personal ambitions about succeeding Macron in 2027, as the current political landscape has created instability within France’s fragile minority government and fractious legislative environment. Lecornu pledged his cabinet would embody renewal and diversity.

    Macron’s inner circle indicated Lecornu has been given “carte blanche,” suggesting Macron is granting substantial freedom to negotiate his cabinet and budget. Support from both the Socialists and the conservative Republicans will be crucial for Lecornu’s survival, although no immediate response has come from their leaderships.

    The key task for Lecornu is to deliver a concrete budget plan by the end of Monday. He stated that he takes this responsibility out of duty and hopes to address France’s ongoing political crisis, which has heightened instability and impacted the national image.

    The ongoing budget negotiations are complicated by the left’s demands to overturn Macron’s 2023 pension reforms, which raised the retirement age, and to impose heavier taxes on the wealthy. These demands are difficult for Macron to reconcile with conservative support needed for budget approval. Macron proposed delaying the pension age increase to 64 until 2028, a concession criticized by Green leader Marine Tondelier as inadequate.

    France’s budget deficit is projected to reach 5.4% this year, exceeding EU limits, with Lecornu estimating a deficit between 4.7% and 5% for 2026. Central bank governor François Villeroy de Galhau warned that the persistent political uncertainty would cost the economy about 0.2 percentage points of GDP, with overall economic conditions remaining broadly stable despite declining business confidence. The instability largely stems from Macron’s decision last year to hold a legislative election, which resulted in a hung parliament divided among three ideologically opposed blocs—a situation complicating efforts to implement fiscal reforms.

    The fate of pension reform remains a significant issue, with the left pushing to reverse Macron’s changes and increase taxes on the wealthy, while conservatives support the reforms. Macron has offered a compromise to delay the pension age increase to 64 by a year, aiming for implementation by 2028, but opposition parties, including Green leaders, have deemed this insufficient.

    France’s deficit is forecasted to hit nearly 5.4%, double the EU limit, with Lecornu accounting for a potential deficit of 4.7% to 5% next year if urgent legislative measures are not passed.

  • Macron Ally Chosen to Tackle France’s Budget Crisis

    Macron Ally Chosen to Tackle France’s Budget Crisis

    Roland Lescure, a member of parliament from the Ensemble pour la République (EPR) faction, delivers remarks at a rally for the Renaissance party in Saint-Denis near Paris on April 6, 2025. — Reuters

    • Lescure’s appointment signals a gesture toward the left.
    • Far-right and far-left factions threaten to topple the government.
    • French MPs from unbowed parties are renewing calls for new elections.

    Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, a close confidant of President Emmanuel Macron, announced on Sunday the appointment of Roland Lescure as the new Finance Minister in a cabinet that opponents warn could fall apart if it doesn’t shift away from Macron’s previous policies.

    Lescure, who backed Macron early in his presidential bid in 2017 and has a background in the Socialist Party, was seen as a move to appeal to the left ahead of upcoming budget negotiations. However, left-wing politicians expressed disappointment with his selection.

    Budget negotiations are becoming increasingly tense, requiring careful compromises among three conflicting groups: Macron’s centrist minority, the far right, and the left. If these groups unite against the government, it could face collapse.

    Members of the far-left France Unbowed party announced plans to file a no-confidence motion immediately. Lecornu, 39, who is serving as Macron’s fifth Prime Minister in just two years, faces a crucial speech on Tuesday when he will present his policy agenda.

    Budget Crisis

    Lecornu’s predecessors, Francois Bayrou and Michel Barnier, were ousted by parliament over efforts to control France’s rising public spending, with financial markets closely watching the country’s high deficit—the largest in the eurozone.

    While Lecornu has acknowledged calls to break from Macron’s recent policies, critics say his new cabinet largely continues existing approaches.

    “We told the Prime Minister: Either change course or face a vote of no confidence. The current government’s plans are all about maintaining the status quo—and nothing that the French people have demanded,” said Jordan Bardella, leader of the nationalist National Rally party.

    Left-wing lawmaker Eric Coquerel tweeted, “Once again, Macron is imposing a government of losers and rejected policies since the July 2024 elections.”

    Marine Returns to Government

    Former Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, who managed France’s massive COVID-19 relief efforts, has been appointed Defense Minister. In his new role, he will influence France’s strategic stance on European security initiatives amid US President Donald Trump’s push for the EU to do more to support Ukraine.

    Several key ministers remained in office, including Jean-Noel Barrot at Foreign Affairs, Bruno Retailleau at Interior, and Gerald Darmanin at Justice.

    The government’s fragility was underscored when Retailleau, a conservative, expressed displeasure with how portfolios were allocated among coalition partners, calling for an emergency party meeting on Monday.

    Members from France Unbowed reiterated their demand for a presidential election, a move Macron has dismissed.

    Engaging the Socialists

    Lescure, 58, faces the challenge of securing support or at least abstentions from Socialist lawmakers, while protecting Macron’s pro-business legacy and keeping conservative and liberal factions aligned.

    An ex-senior executive at Natixis Asset Management, Lescure is also sensitive to the far right’s budget concerns, which could aim to destabilize the government again.

    To gain socialist backing, Lescure has proposed introducing a wealth tax requested by the left and explicitly refused to bypass parliamentary voting with special powers. So far, the Socialists have found these offers insufficient.

    “Without a change in policy, the Socialists will oppose the government,” said Pierre Jouvet, Secretary General of the Socialist Party, speaking to BFM TV.

  • French Parliament Votes to Remove Prime Minister, Worsening Crisis

    French Parliament Votes to Remove Prime Minister, Worsening Crisis

    France’s parliament voted to oust the government Monday over its plans to address the rapidly growing national debt, intensifying the political crisis and leaving President Emmanuel Macron with the difficult task of selecting a fifth prime minister in less than two years.

    74-year-old François Bayrou, who assumed the role of prime minister just nine months ago, is now required to resign. This development narrows Macron’s options as financial markets express concern about France’s political and economic stability.

    Bayrou called the confidence vote unexpectedly to seek backing for his approach to reduce a deficit nearly twice the EU’s 3% limit, while also tackling a debt load equaling 114% of GDP. However, opposition parties showed little interest in supporting his plan to cut 44 billion euros ($51.5 billion) from next year’s budget, especially with a presidential election scheduled for 2027.

    Macron could appoint another centrist or conservative figure as his next prime minister, though this would likely result in an unstable coalition. Alternatively, he might choose a moderate socialist or a technocrat. Regardless, none of these options appears likely to secure a parliamentary majority. Finance Minister Eric Lombard warned that the formation of a new government would probably lead to a scaled-back deficit reduction plan.

    There’s speculation that Macron might call a snap election to resolve the crisis, but so far, he has resisted pressure from the far-right National Rally and the hard-left France Unbowed to dissolve parliament again.

    ### Fiscal Crisis

    The immediate challenge for the incoming government will be passing a new budget—an uphill battle that Bayrou also faced.

    “You have the power to bring down the government, but you cannot erase reality,” Bayrou told lawmakers before the vote. “Reality remains relentless: expenses continue to climb, and the overwhelming debt burden will only grow more costly and difficult to manage.”

    France’s very survival is at stake, he warned.

    European allies are watching with concern. France’s deficit as a share of GDP is the highest among eurozone countries, and it spends more on debt service than Spain. The spreads on French 10-year bonds against benchmark German bonds are at their highest in four months.

    Fitch Ratings announced it would review France’s AA- credit rating with a negative outlook on September 12, with Moody’s and S&P following suit in October and November. A downgrade would make it harder for France to borrow cheaply, worsening its debt issues.

    Uncertainty over France’s political and fiscal future could weaken Macron’s influence across Europe, especially as the U.S. adopts a more assertive stance on trade and security, and as conflict persists in Ukraine on Europe’s eastern border.

    Macron and other centrist and conservative leaders believe holding a snap election wouldn’t resolve the crisis and are exploring dialogue with the Socialists, according to two sources familiar with his thinking.

    The Socialists have proposed a counter-budget, including a new 2% tax on personal fortunes over 100 million euros and expected savings of 22 billion euros. However, this plan conflicts with Macron’s pro-business reform agenda.

    Public unrest may also be mounting. A grassroots protest group called “Bloquons Tout” (Let’s Block Everything) plans nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday, with trade unions organizing strikes the following week.

    “France is finished,” said Mohamed, an 80-year-old retired hospital worker selling produce at Paris’s Aligre market.

  • French Parliament to Oust PM in Blow to Macron

    French Parliament to Oust PM in Blow to Macron

    France’s parliament is poised to remove Prime Minister François Bayrou on Monday after only nine months in office, introducing new political instability for the EU’s key member country and presenting President Emmanuel Macron with a difficult choice.

    Bayrou shocked even his allies by calling for a confidence vote to break a prolonged deadlock over his austerity budget, which proposes nearly 44 billion euros ($52 billion) in cuts to reduce France’s debt.

    All opposition parties have declared they will oppose his minority government, making it unlikely he will secure the majority needed in the 577-seat National Assembly to stay in power.

    This would make Bayrou the second French prime minister in a row to be ousted after Michel Barnier was dismissed in December after a brief three-month tenure.

    Since 2017, Macron has appointed six prime ministers, with Bayrou being the latest. In recent TV interviews, Bayrou has shown no signs of expecting to survive the vote, instead questioning whether the country understands the gravity of its current situation.

    He is scheduled to address Parliament around 1:00 p.m. GMT, with the vote expected at 5:00 p.m. GMT.

    Following this, Macron will face a critical decision: appoint a new prime minister to craft a compromise or call early elections in hopes of securing a more cooperative Parliament.

    Macron is actively leading Europe’s efforts to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, boosting his influence on the international stage. However, domestic polls are grim, and he cannot run for a third term in 2027.

    A survey by Odoxa-Backbone for Le Figaro indicates that 64% of French citizens prefer Macron resign rather than appoint a new prime minister, a stance Macron has firmly rejected. Additionally, 77% disapprove of his performance, marking his lowest approval rating to date, according to an Ifop poll for Ouest-France.

    In the wake of an international summit on Ukraine, Macron urged French political groups on Thursday to act responsibly and maintain stability. “The global reshaping is changing many aspects for Europe, and France must continue moving forward in this changing landscape,” he stated.

    At the same time, France is experiencing social unrest. A left-wing coalition called “Block Everything” has scheduled a day of demonstrations on September 10, with trade unions organizing strikes on September 18.

    There is no certainty that an election would improve Macron’s standing in Parliament. Nonetheless, there are signs he might consider working with the Socialist Party (PS), once a dominant force in French politics but weakened in recent years.

    In a meeting this week with centrist supporters, Macron encouraged coalition-building with the Socialists, with attendees reportedly against holding new elections. Socialist leader Olivier Faure has expressed openness to becoming Prime Minister and even drafted a budget plan.

    However, support from the Socialists does not automatically translate into backing from other left-wing factions. A Macron close associate noted that moving forward could involve the Socialist Party breaking its alliance and governing alongside the political center—though Macron remains cautious, keeping his options close.

  • France calls on US to support European Ukraine security guarantees

    France calls on US to support European Ukraine security guarantees

    France has announced that Europe is prepared to support Ukraine with long-term security guarantees once the conflict concludes—yet it emphasizes that the United States must take a more active role. President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated Tuesday that Kyiv’s European allies are ready to help establish security assurances for Ukraine after reaching a peace agreement with Russia.

    Ahead of a gathering in Paris on Thursday involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and international allies, an Elysee Palace official remarked, “We are ready,” and expressed hope that the U.S. will back European efforts to ensure Ukraine’s security.

    A coalition, known as the Coalition of the Willing, comprising approximately 30 countries, plans to assist Ukraine’s military and might deploy some personnel after a ceasefire is in place. The goal of such deployment would be to prevent future Russian attacks.

    A French diplomatic source indicated that during a phone call on Tuesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted their strong cooperation within the coalition, preparing for Thursday’s discussions.

    A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the two ministers “agreed to continue diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war through negotiations that include measures ensuring a lasting peace.”

    The meeting will be co-chaired by Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

    An Elysee official added, “We now have sufficient contributions to show the Americans that we are prepared to fulfill our responsibilities, provided they do the same—specifically by giving European partners a ‘backstop’.” This backstop could cover intelligence sharing, logistical support, and communication strategies. However, former President Donald Trump has ruled out deploying U.S. troops on the ground.

    Trump previously failed to organize a summit between Vladimir Putin and Zelensky after hosting the Russian leader in Alaska last month. Tuesday, Trump expressed disappointment in Putin’s refusal to pursue a peace proposal for Ukraine.

    The U.S. has confirmed it will send a representative to the Thursday meeting, though details have not been disclosed.

  • President Macron Praised as France Plans to Recognize Palestine State

    President Macron Praised as France Plans to Recognize Palestine State

    French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France intends to officially recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly, making it the leading European nation to do so. Currently, at least 142 countries have either recognized or are planning to recognize Palestinian statehood, though both Israel and the United States strongly oppose this move.

    Since Israel intensified its military campaign against Gaza nearly two years ago in response to Hamas attacks, several countries have expressed their intention to recognize Palestinian independence. Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior official of the Palestinian Authority, welcomed Macron’s announcement, stating it demonstrates France’s dedication to international law and support for Palestinians’ right to self-determination and an independent state. Hamas also praised Macron’s pledge, calling it a positive step toward justice for Palestinians and affirming their right to self-determination.

    Reactions from various nations include:

    United States:
    Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Macron’s decision, calling it reckless. He stated, “This reckless move only propagates Hamas’ narrative and hampers peace efforts. It is a direct insult to the victims of October 7th.”

    Israel:
    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that recognizing Palestine under current conditions would enable terror activities and could produce yet another Iranian proxy, similar to Gaza. He warned that such a state could serve as a stepping stone to destroy Israel rather than coexist peacefully.

    Spain:
    Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose country already recognizes Palestine, welcomed Macron’s stance. He emphasized that the two-state solution remains the only viable path toward lasting peace and called on the international community to protect what Netanyahu seeks to undermine.

    Saudi Arabia:
    The Saudi Foreign Ministry described Macron’s move as historic, urging other countries that have not yet recognized Palestine to follow suit and foster peace based on the legitimate rights of Palestinians.

    Jordan:
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for Macron’s decision, describing it as a positive step toward realizing a two-state solution and ending occupation.

    Palestinian Authority:
    Senior official Hussein al-Sheikh reaffirmed that recognizing Palestine symbolizes France’s commitment to international norms and supports their quest for self-determination and independence.

    Hamas:
    The group hailed Macron’s pledge as an encouraging development and called on other European nations and countries still hesitant to recognize Palestine to follow France’s lead, emphasizing their support for Palestinian self-determination and justice.

  • Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron Sue Candace Owens Over ‘Brigitte Is a Man’ Claims

    Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron Sue Candace Owens Over ‘Brigitte Is a Man’ Claims

    Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens. The case arises from claims Owens made on her platform, suggesting that Brigitte Macron might have been a man. This legal action includes 22 counts and was initiated in the Delaware Superior Court.

    A statement from the Macrons’ legal representative, Tom Clare, indicated that Owens has been engaged in a persistent campaign of defamation over the past year. The lawsuit highlights Owens’ repeated dissemination of false allegations, including a controversial YouTube video titled “Is France’s First Lady a Man?” from March, where she presented this conspiracy as a significant scandal and extensively discussed it on social media platform X.

    Owens has created numerous videos about Brigitte Macron for her nearly 4.5 million YouTube followers, including a series called “Becoming Brigitte.” The lawsuit alleges that Owens also marketed products supportive of her unfounded story.

    The Macrons had previously requested Owens to cease her claims for about a year, only resorting to legal action after she reportedly continued her campaigns. According to their lawyer, Owens was the first to introduce these false narratives to the U.S. media and the global audience, prompting the couple to seek punitive damages, asserting that her actions have caused substantial economic harm by potentially jeopardizing future opportunities.

    Owens responded publicly by sharing a screenshot of the lawsuit on Instagram along with a provocative caption, indicating her intention to challenge the case. She later dismissed the legal action as a “desperate public relations stunt” in a YouTube video.

    In addition to this case, Owens previously faced legal challenges in France, where she sued two women over similar claims, although the initial court ruling was overturned upon appeal, and the case is now headed to a higher court.

    The lawsuit emphasizes that Owens was asked to retract her defamatory statements, supported by compelling evidence proving her allegations false—such as official records establishing Brigitte Macron’s birth name as Brigitte Trogneux and affirming she is not related to President Macron by blood. It also refutes claims of manipulation or blackmail involving her through any covert operations linked to intelligence agencies. The Macrons assert that Owens exploited these false assertions for personal gain, attention, and to promote her brand.

  • NATO Boosts Defense Spending as Trump Advocated for Mutual Support

    NATO Boosts Defense Spending as Trump Advocated for Mutual Support

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Heads of State and Government at the summit in The Hague, Netherlands, June 25, 2025. — NATO website

    • NATO member countries to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP.
    • Trump criticizes Spain’s position on spending goals.
    • Macron connects spending increases to transatlantic trade issues.

    NATO leaders gathered on Wednesday endorsed a significant increase in defense spending, as advocated by U.S. President Donald Trump, and reaffirmed their solidarity in mutual defense following a short summit in the Netherlands.

    While Trump achieved his aim at this annual meeting designed with him in mind, his NATO allies were likely relieved at his reaffirmation of the essential principle of collective defense after his earlier ambiguous remarks on Tuesday.

    During a press briefing, Trump mentioned, “We had a tremendous victory today,” expressing his hope that the increased funding would be allocated to military equipment manufactured in the United States.

    Trump’s Warning to Spain

    However, he warned of potential repercussions for Spain after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez indicated that the nation could fulfill its NATO responsibilities while spending significantly less than the newly set 5% of GDP target.

    “I find that unacceptable. Spain is doing very well economically. But if something negative occurs, their economy could take a hit,” Trump stated, adding that Spain may receive a harsher trade deal from the U.S. than other European Union nations.

    The NATO leaders issued a five-point communiqué that supported the augmented defense spending goal, addressing not only Trump’s demands but also Europe’s increasing concerns about a potential threat from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

    The statement from the 32 allies read: “We reinforce our unwavering commitment to collective defense as defined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty — an attack on one is an attack on all.”

    When pressed about his stance on Article 5 amid recent unclear statements, Trump affirmed, “I support it. That’s why I am here. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”

    Macron Raises Trade Tensions at NATO Summit

    Trump has persistently urged other nations to elevate their spending to lessen NATO’s heavy dependence on U.S. support.

    Despite the appearance of consensus, French President Emmanuel Macron brought attention to the steep tariffs threatened by Trump, which may hinder transatlantic trade and subsequently impact increased defense expenditure.

    “We can’t commit to increasing our spending while simultaneously igniting a trade war at the heart of NATO,” Macron remarked, labeling it as “absurd.” He indicated that he had discussed this issue with Trump multiple times.

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who hosted the summit in his hometown The Hague, described NATO as emerging as a “stronger, fairer, and more formidable” alliance.

    The former Dutch prime minister praised Trump for facilitating agreement among NATO members to raise defense budgets.

    When queried by a reporter about whether he had overly flattered Trump to keep him on board during the summit, Rutte replied that he and Trump were friends, and that judgment about his approach was subjective.

    New NATO Spending Objectives Are Challenging

    The newly established spending target, aimed to be achieved over the next decade, represents a significant increase worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually compared to the existing 2% GDP goal, although the measurement protocol will change.

    Nations committed to allocating 3.5% of their GDP towards core defense, which includes military personnel and equipment, while 1.5% is earmarked for broader defense-related initiatives such as cybersecurity and fortifying infrastructure to accommodate heavy military vehicles.

    This additional funding will be a significant challenge for many European countries, which are already grappling with tight budgets.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was only able to join a pre-summit dinner on Tuesday night and miss the main discussions on Wednesday, although he did manage to meet Trump separately after the event.

    The Kremlin has accused NATO of escalating militarization and depicting Russia as a “dangerous adversary” to justify its substantial increases in defense budgets.

  • Greenpeace Takes Macron Wax Figure in Anti-Moscow Stunt

    Greenpeace Takes Macron Wax Figure in Anti-Moscow Stunt

    Greenpeace activists staged a protest on June 2, 2025, by displaying a wax statue of French President Emmanuel Macron, allegedly taken from the Grevin Museum, outside the Russian Embassy in Paris. They criticized France’s imports of gas and fertilizer from Russia — AFP

    On Monday, Greenpeace activists executed a bold theft of a wax figure of President Emmanuel Macron from a museum in Paris. They showcased it in front of the Russian embassy to protest against France’s economic affiliations with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

    According to sources from the police, three individuals, two women and a man, entered the Grevin Museum pretending to be tourists. Once inside, they changed into worker attire to blend in.

    The activists managed to sneak out through an emergency exit with the wax statue, valued at approximately 40,000 euros, which they concealed.

    In a statement, the museum noted that the activists indicated they intended to return the statue “in good condition.”

    “They had clearly conducted extensive research,” remarked a spokeswoman for the museum in an interview with AFP.

    According to the spokeswoman, the activists engaged a security guard with a question about accessibility, while some of them donned maintenance uniforms.

    Once they absconded with the Macron figure, they set it up outside the Russian embassy to emphasize their disapproval of France’s ties with Russia, particularly in the sectors of gas, fertilizers, and nuclear energy.

    The demonstration outside the embassy lasted for only a few moments.

    During the brief protest, the activists displayed a Russian flag behind the Macron statue, while one individual held a yellow sign stating, “Business is business.” They also scattered fake banknotes around.

    “For us, France is playing both sides,” stated Jean-Francois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France.

    “Emmanuel Macron symbolizes this duplicity: he supports Ukraine while simultaneously urging French companies to maintain their business dealings with Russia,” Julliard elaborated.

    He underscored that Greenpeace’s focus on Macron was due to his special responsibility, asserting that the French president “should be the first” European leader to halt trade agreements with Russia.

    Since Russia’s incursion into Ukraine in February 2022, France has emerged as one of Kyiv’s staunchest allies. Macron has notably taken the lead in efforts to develop a cohesive European response to support Ukraine, particularly following US President Trump’s surprising direct negotiations with Russia.

    Historically, the Grevin Museum has witnessed thefts of notable wax figures. For instance, the statue of Jacques Chirac was stolen in 1983 during his tenure as the mayor of Paris but was located just days later at the Vincennes Zoo. Additionally, during Valery Giscard d’Estaing’s presidency from 1974 to 1981, a similar robbery took place, executed by outraged motorcyclists.

  • Macron Dismisses Wife’s Alleged Shove Amid Vietnam Visit

    Macron Dismisses Wife’s Alleged Shove Amid Vietnam Visit

    President Macron Lightheartedly Responds to Wife’s Playful Gesture During Vietnam Visit

    On May 25, 2025, as President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, arrived in Vietnam to kick off their Southeast Asia tour, a light-hearted moment occurred. In footage captured at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Brigitte was seen playfully pushing her husband in the face as he prepared to step off the presidential plane.

    The incident, which caused a brief pause in Emmanuel Macron’s steps before he composed himself and waved to onlookers, seemed more humorous than serious. Brigitte momentarily disappeared behind the plane, obscuring her body language, before they descended the staircase together, with Brigitte not taking her husband’s arm.

    Addressing the media in Hanoi, Macron dismissed the encounter, saying, "I was just teasing, or rather joking with my wife. It’s no big deal." He added a word of caution regarding how video content featuring him has been misrepresented by people he called "crackpots."

    Macron also referred to a recent incident where a video circulated on social media showing him removing a crumpled paper from a train table during a visit to Ukraine. Some users baselessly speculated that it was a bag of cocaine. In response, Macron clarified it was merely a tissue and his office accused opponents of spreading misinformation.

    An official from the Elysee stated earlier on Monday that the video highlighted a moment of relaxation and humor between the couple before their trip commenced.