Macron's viral plane drama: Expert reveals Brigitte's words
The aftermath of the quarrel between French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, is still resonating. The disagreement, captured by cameras, occurred when the doors of the presidential plane opened upon the couple's arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam. The footage, showing Brigitte Macron grabbing her husband's face and then pushing him away, quickly spread through global media and went viral. Now, an expert reveals what exactly she said.
The presidential couple's public argument
The video, released on May 25th, captured the moment just after the presidential plane's doors opened. Brigitte Macron, clearly irritated, placed both hands on her husband's face and pushed him away forcefully. Emmanuel Macron attempted to salvage the situation with a broad smile and by waving to those gathered on the tarmac, yet the tension between the couple was unmistakable.
It all transpired within a few seconds, but it was enough to become the talk of the day not only in France but also beyond its borders.
Initially, the Élysée Palace denied the authenticity of the recording, suggesting that it was the result of manipulation or misunderstanding. Eventually, however, it was confirmed that the situation indeed occurred, though it was presented in a completely different context.
"It was a moment when the president and his wife were last relaxing before starting the journey, teasing each other. It was a moment of mutual affection. This was enough to give conspiracy theorists some fodder for their mill," it was explained.
President Emmanuel Macron also addressed the matter. He stated that the recorded scene was "just an innocent joke between the spouses."
What happened on the airplane stairs?
The British newspaper The Express decided to clarify what exactly Brigitte Macron said to her husband as they were passing each other on the aeroplane stairs. For this purpose, a lip-reading expert was consulted.
Shortly after the incident, the president reportedly said to his wife briefly: "Let's go." He also invited her with a gesture to lean on his arm while descending, but Brigitte ignored this offer.
According to the analysis, the First Lady muttered under her breath, "dégage, espèce de loser," which translates to "stay away, loser."
The expert also claims that a moment later, the French president said to his wife, "Essayons, s'il te plaît," which translates to "let's try, please." However, his wife replied briefly: "No."
There is a noticeable coldness and tension between the couple—they avoid each other's gaze and strive not to look at one another.
The background of the conflict: tensions, stress, and differences
Although the presidential couple officially maintains that they have a strong bond and that the conflict was merely a temporary misunderstanding, the French press has been speculating about tensions in their relationship for some time now. Brigitte Macron, 24 years older than Emmanuel, serves not only as the First Lady but also as a trusted advisor. Her role in her husband's politics has been a subject of public debate, with some palace decisions being attributed to her influence.
The stress related to geopolitical tensions, election campaigns, and an increasingly polarised political scene in France may also reflect on the president's private life. Official foreign trips, although carefully planned, are not devoid of emotions. An uncontrolled moment of anger on the plane might have been the culmination of long-standing tensions.
The incident in Hanoi will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the image of the French presidential couple. The scene that played out in front of the entire world will long be remembered as one of the most awkward diplomatic situations in the history of his presidency.
