Statue of Liberty debate: French MEP questions U.S. values
French MEP Raphael Glucksmann suggested that the US should return the Statue of Liberty to France after Donald Trump's actions, reports "Metro News".
French MEP Raphael Glucksmann expressed the opinion that the United States should return the Statue of Liberty to France. In his view, actions by Donald Trump's administration, such as dismissing scientists, contradict the values symbolized by this gift from France.
The Statue of Liberty, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was given to the USA by France as a symbol of friendship and a shared struggle for freedom. Erected in New York, it became an icon of hope for millions of immigrants arriving in America.
Glucksmann emphasized that France gladly welcomes scientists and government workers who were dismissed in the USA. "If you want to fire your best researchers and all those whose freedom and innovative spirit made you a world power, we'll welcome them here," he stresses, as quoted by metro.uk.com.
History and significance of the Statue of Liberty
The idea for the Statue of Liberty was conceived by French politician Édouard de Laboulaye. It was to be a symbol of freedom, justice, and democracy. Its construction lasted 20 years, and upon completion, it was transported to New York.
The Statue is 46 metres tall and is covered with copper plates, which have turned green over time. In its left hand, it holds a tablet with the date of American independence—July 4, 1776.
Currently, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most important monuments in the United States, attracting tourists from around the world. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and is also part of the National Park Service, which means it is under federal protection.
Glucksmann's statement sparked a discussion about the values represented by the Statue of Liberty. Is the USA still a country that respects freedom and science? This question remains open, and the debate continues.
