French President Emmanuel Macron has faced strong criticism after photos showed him enjoying a seaside holiday while France battled wildfires and extreme heat.
The images, published by Paris Match, show Macron riding a jet ski during his summer break. Other photos show him using a water flyboard and driving a speedboat.
Opposition figures and several French lawmakers have accused the president of appearing detached from the country’s problems.
Macron Accused of Inappropriate Behavior
Senator Pierre Ouzoulias described Macron’s behavior as inappropriate during an interview with Europe 1 radio.
“I would personally prefer to see him in a fire engine helping firefighters,” Ouzoulias said, according to the report.
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Meanwhile, Alexis Corbière, a member of the left-wing party La France Insoumise, also criticized the president.
Corbière mocked Macron’s appearance and his use of what he described as a highly polluting watercraft.
He said the carefully staged images showed what he called Macron’s self-centered personality. He also accused the president of failing to understand France’s environmental, social and democratic challenges.
Photos Show Macron With Brigitte Macron
The magazine also published photos of Macron using water sports equipment along the French Riviera.
One image showed him laughing while driving a fast boat. His security team members were also on board.
Another photo showed his wife, Brigitte Macron, wearing shorts, a shirt, a baseball cap and sunglasses.
The images quickly drew criticism from Macron’s political opponents.
France Faces Severe Wildfires
The criticism comes as France continues to deal with serious wildfire damage.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System, fires have affected about 95,000 hectares of land. The annual average over the past two decades stands at about 14,750 hectares.
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A major fire near Bordeaux in southwestern France last July destroyed more than 200 homes. It also forced about 220,000 people to leave their homes, according to The Telegraph.
The fires have caused billions of dollars in damage.
Macron Delayed His Holiday
Macron’s allies have defended his actions.
People close to the president confirmed that he delayed his summer holiday until August. They said he wanted to focus on efforts to control the major wildfire.
His associates also said Macron continued working during his holiday.
According to them, the president remained in contact with other world leaders while taking his summer break.
Critics Target Macron’s Public Image
Macron has faced criticism from opponents for years over his image and political style.
Some critics have described him as the “president of the rich.” Others have used the nickname “Jupiter” to portray him as distant from ordinary French citizens.
The latest criticism reflects that wider political dispute.
However, Macron’s allies say the president continued his official duties during the holiday period. They also point to his decision to delay the break while authorities dealt with the wildfires.
