A dramatized protest highlights the contradiction between Macron's support for Ukraine and ongoing trade links with Russia.
Activists Steal Macron Wax Figure to Protest Business Ties with Russia
Activists Steal Macron Wax Figure to Protest Business Ties with Russia
Environmental activists target French President's waxwork in a bold display against trade practices.
In a striking act of protest, a group of environmental activists from Greenpeace executed a daring heist at the Grevin Museum in Paris, stealing a wax figure of French President Emmanuel Macron. Disguised as regular museum visitors, the activists managed to take control of the statue by donning museum staff attire, covering it with a blanket, and making their escape through an emergency exit, as reported by AFP.
This bold move culminated with the wax figure being displayed outside the Russian embassy in Paris, where the activists openly criticized Macron's handling of France's business dealings with Russia in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. With placards and banners, they vocalized their discontent over the president's perceived duality in supporting Ukraine while allowing French corporations to maintain trade ties with Russia.
Jean-Francois Julliard, the head of Greenpeace France, emphasized that the president’s actions exemplify a "double game," as France continues to import gas and fertilizers from Russia even while supporting Kyiv in its conflict. He further urged Macron to take the lead among European leaders by terminating any business contracts with Russian entities.
Despite Macron's strong public support for Ukraine and his leading role in European diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, both media analysis and data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reveal a continuing financial flow from the EU to Russia through energy exports. Since the start of the invasion in 2022, Russia has accrued over €883 billion from fossil fuel sales to the West, with a substantial portion emanating from French companies.
As the situation grows more urgent with Russian gas exports reportedly increasing, critics argue that France's financial entanglements with Russia undermine its stance in supporting Ukraine. Macron has responded by imposing sanctions on Russia and indicates further measures if Moscow does not engage constructively in peace negotiations. Meanwhile, the stolen waxwork, which is valued at around €40,000, remains unaccounted for, with no arrests made as of yet.
This bold move culminated with the wax figure being displayed outside the Russian embassy in Paris, where the activists openly criticized Macron's handling of France's business dealings with Russia in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. With placards and banners, they vocalized their discontent over the president's perceived duality in supporting Ukraine while allowing French corporations to maintain trade ties with Russia.
Jean-Francois Julliard, the head of Greenpeace France, emphasized that the president’s actions exemplify a "double game," as France continues to import gas and fertilizers from Russia even while supporting Kyiv in its conflict. He further urged Macron to take the lead among European leaders by terminating any business contracts with Russian entities.
Despite Macron's strong public support for Ukraine and his leading role in European diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, both media analysis and data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reveal a continuing financial flow from the EU to Russia through energy exports. Since the start of the invasion in 2022, Russia has accrued over €883 billion from fossil fuel sales to the West, with a substantial portion emanating from French companies.
As the situation grows more urgent with Russian gas exports reportedly increasing, critics argue that France's financial entanglements with Russia undermine its stance in supporting Ukraine. Macron has responded by imposing sanctions on Russia and indicates further measures if Moscow does not engage constructively in peace negotiations. Meanwhile, the stolen waxwork, which is valued at around €40,000, remains unaccounted for, with no arrests made as of yet.
