Paris: In a stunning incident, French President Emmanuel Macron was on Tuesday slapped in the face by a man from a crowd of onlookers.
A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows Macron walking towards a crowd who were behind a metal barrier.
As Macron reaches out to shake hands with a man in the first row — wearing a light green T-Shirt, glasses and a face mask – he can be heard shouting ‘A Bas La Macronie’ (‘Down with Macronia’). Before anyone knew, he lands a slap on Macron’s face.
Members of the President’s security personnel, who were accompanying him, acted swiftly to get him under control and move Macron away from him.
??? | BREAKING: Macron slapped in the face
Via @ConflitsFrance pic.twitter.com/1L7eYTsvDR
— Politics For All (@PoliticsForAlI) June 8, 2021
Macron remained at the spot for a few more seconds, and appeared to be talking to someone else behind the barriers.
The presidential administration said there had been an attempt to strike Macron, but declined further comment.
According to local media, two people were arrested in connection with the incident.
Macron was on a visit to Drome region in south-eastern France, where he met restaurateurs and students to discuss how life is returning to normal after COVID-19.
