French President Emmanuel Macron has sparked outrage at a Gabon state banquet, with a video of the event going viral on social media. The clip shows Macron welcoming Gabon's President Brice Oligui Nguema and his wife, Zita Oligui Nguema, to the Élysée Palace in Paris during a formal state visit.
The footage, posted by @gala.fr, was filmed in the grand courtyard of the Élysée Palace and has captured the attention of viewers worldwide. A ceremonial guard of honour lined the red carpet in traditional uniform as the two couples exchanged handshakes, kisses on the cheek, and warm greetings.
The Moment That Drew Attention
The moment that drew the most attention came when Macron extended his customary hand-kiss in Zita Oligui Nguema's direction, a gesture that struck many as the perfect punctuation to an already visually stunning arrival. The Gabonese first lady arrived dressed in an all-black ensemble that had viewers reaching for superlatives.
A Stirring Reaction on Social Media
The clip's comment section lit up almost immediately, with many viewers expressing admiration for Zita Oligui Nguema's elegance and Macron's charming gesture. However, the video also sparked pointed political commentary, with some users directing criticism at the United States.
A Separate Event at the G7 Summit
In a separate development, First Lady Rachel Ruto joined Brigitte Macron and other spouses of world leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France to discuss safeguarding children in the age of Artificial Intelligence. She emphasized the need for a collaborative approach among governments, tech developers, and parents to ensure digital innovation remains safe and inclusive for young people.
Kenya's Presence at the Summit
Meanwhile, President William Ruto engaged global leaders and tech executives to champion financial architecture reforms and position Kenya as a leading innovation hub. This move reflects Kenya's growing efforts to establish itself as a major player in the global tech industry.
The incident at the Gabon state banquet serves as a reminder of the high level of scrutiny that world leaders face, both on and off the diplomatic stage. As Macron continues to navigate the complex world of international politics, one thing is clear: his diplomatic gestures will be closely watched by the global community.
Source: Tuko
