A dramatic act by environmental activists aimed at bringing attention to the paradox of France's trade relationships with Russia while advocating for Ukraine.
Environmental Activists Steal Macron Waxwork to Protest Russian Trade Links
Environmental Activists Steal Macron Waxwork to Protest Russian Trade Links
Greenpeace highlights French president's contradictory stance on Russian relations through bold demonstration.
In a stunning act of protest, environmental activists from Greenpeace made headlines by stealing a wax figure of French President Emmanuel Macron from the Grevin Museum in Paris. Disguised as museum staff, the activists entered the venue as regular tourists before executing their plan to cover the waxwork with a blanket and exit through an emergency door, as confirmed by a police source speaking to AFP.
The stolen figure was later displayed prominently outside the Russian embassy in Paris, where activists rallied against the French government's continuing economic ties with Russian businesses, despite Macron's vocal support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Demonstrators denounced what they perceive as Macron's hypocritical stance, claiming he "embodies a double discourse" by supporting Ukraine while allowing French companies to maintain energy and agricultural imports from Russia.
Onlookers captured footage showing activists placing the wax figure on the pavement alongside striking placards criticizing the French government's approach. The incident has sparked outrage, but no arrests have been made, and the wax statue—valued at approximately €40,000—has not yet been recovered.
Jean-Francois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France, emphasized the need for Macron to lead by example among European leaders in severing economic ties with Russia. He argued that Paris's continued dealings with Moscow directly undermine its support for Ukraine. A recent BBC analysis highlighted that Russia has made substantial profits from fossil fuel exports to Western countries, including more than €883 billion since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Despite France's military support for Ukraine, the government has been criticized for its ongoing economic interactions with Russia. Macron has stated that further sanctions against Moscow are imminent if there is no cooperation for a ceasefire. This bold protest by Greenpeace is likely to fuel ongoing discussions about the moral implications of continuing trade with a country amid an active war.
