Wax Figure of Macron Stolen by Activists to Protest Russian Business Ties

Environmental activists have stolen a wax figure of President Emmanuel Macron from a Paris museum, showcasing their discontent towards his government's relationship with Russian enterprises.

In a remarkable act of protest, Greenpeace activists successfully stole a waxwork figure of French President Emmanuel Macron from the Grevin Museum in Paris. Posing as tourists, the activists executed a well-planned operation, changing into uniforms resembling museum staff and concealing the statue under a blanket. They then used an emergency exit to remove the figure, which is valued at approximately €40,000 (about $45,674).

The waxwork was later displayed outside the Russian embassy in Paris, where the activists criticized Macron's perceived complicity in allowing French corporations to maintain commercial ties with Russia amidst ongoing hostilities in Ukraine. As a prominent advocate for Ukraine, Macron's alleged double standards in trade policies have sparked outrage among environmental and human rights activists.

Jean-Francois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France, stated that the French government is engaging in a “double game” by supporting Ukraine while continuing to import gas and fertilizers from Russia. He emphasized that Macron exemplifies this conflicting stance and should lead the charge in terminating trade relations with Russian companies.

Recent analyses indicate that despite sanctions, Russia has continued to profit significantly from fossil fuel exports, earning around €883 billion since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with EU nations contributing a substantial portion of these profits. Notably, France has been a significant player, with estimates showing around €17.9 billion in energy-related revenues flowing from France to Russia.

In addition to military support for Ukraine, France has imposed sanctions on Russian entities and warned of further actions should Moscow not engage in peace negotiations. The wax figure theft illustrates the rising tension and public discontent regarding government policies related to the ongoing geopolitical crisis.