Emmanuel Macron: French President slapped on official visit
Emmanuel Macron has been slapped by a civilian to southeastern France.
A video circulating on social media shows President McKeown being in an area of Valencia on Tuesday when he approached an obstacle set up to stop civilians.He was slapped by a citizen in a green shirt and security personnel rushed to the spot shortly afterwards. They pull the French president out.
According to local media in France, two citizens have been arrested since the incident. When Presidentq McKeown was slapped, the slogan "Down with Macronism" was chanted.
The incident has been condemned by various politicians in the country.
French law enforcement is investigating the man, according to AFP. However, it has not been identified yet and the purpose of the slap is unclear.
"Democracy means debate and legitimate disagreement, but it does not mean violence, verbal aggression or physical attacks," French Prime Minister Jean Costax told the National Assembly after the incident.
Following the slap, far-left political leader Jan Lok tweeted "solidarity with the president".
Officials say the tour will continue on Tuesday and will also look at a professional institute for people aged 25 to 30.
The visit comes at a time when bars and restaurants in France are reopening for indoor dining seven months later. These measures were taken to prevent the spread of the global corona virus.
Who protects French presidents?
A special force called the GSPR is assigned to guard the French presidents.
According to the French channel BFM, officials inspect the site before the presidential visit. The duties of these armed men include being close to and protecting the president during any of his visits.
According to the channel, 10 GSPR personnel were present with him on Tuesday's visit.