Smacron! French president slapped in the face during walkabout
He’s not the first and won’t be the last, but Emmanuel Macron has become the latest politician to discover that interactions with the public don’t always go to plan.
Whilst on a walkabout earlier today outside the small south-western city of Vallence, Macron was slapped in the face as he shook hands with a group of well-wishers.
Two men have been arrested.
One of the protesters appears to have shouted “Bas a La Macronie” – down with Macron.
Macron later insisted the slapping incident was an “isolated event”.
“We must put this incident in perspective, this is an isolated event,” he told local media. “We must not let ultra-violent people take over the public debate, they do not deserve it.”
The En Marche leader’s popularity has slumped since riding a wave of centrist enthusiasm into the Elysee Palace in 2017.
He faces challenges on the left and right for re-election in next year’s elections.
However, his popularity may be boosted as French bars are finally able to open their doors to indoors customers this week.
Unlike John Prescott, Macron elected not to respond with a right hook of his own.
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