Activists from Greenpeace executed a bold protest in Paris by stealing a wax figure of President Emmanuel Macron from the Grevin Museum. Disguised as museum employees, the activists managed to sneak in, change their attire, cover the waxwork with a blanket, and take it out through an emergency exit, according to French police sources.
The stolen figure reemerged outside the Russian embassy in Paris, where the activists showcased it alongside various signs criticizing Macron's approach to French businesses that continue to engage with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Macron has typically advocated for Ukraine and played a prominent role in European diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire in the region.
Footage shared on social media exhibited the activists placing the waxwork in front of the embassy, effectively making their statement clear. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the wax figure, valued at approximately €40,000 ($45,674), remains unaccounted for.
Jean-Francois Julliard, the head of Greenpeace France, expressed to the media that Paris is “playing a double game” by supporting Ukraine while simultaneously permitting French companies to import energy resources from Russia. He argued that Macron symbolizes this contradictory stance and should lead other European leaders in terminating contracts with Russian enterprises.
A detailed analysis conducted earlier by the BBC highlighted that despite sanctions, Russia earned over €883 billion from fossil fuel exports since the onset of the invasion in 2022, with the EU being a significant consumer. From this, France has contributed nearly €17.9 billion worth of imports. Russian reports suggest liquid natural gas exports to Europe are climbing significantly, with energy reliance still evident.
While France continues to provide military aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions, Macron has indicated potential for further sanctions against Russia if it remains non-compliant in peace negotiations.
The stolen figure reemerged outside the Russian embassy in Paris, where the activists showcased it alongside various signs criticizing Macron's approach to French businesses that continue to engage with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Macron has typically advocated for Ukraine and played a prominent role in European diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire in the region.
Footage shared on social media exhibited the activists placing the waxwork in front of the embassy, effectively making their statement clear. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the wax figure, valued at approximately €40,000 ($45,674), remains unaccounted for.
Jean-Francois Julliard, the head of Greenpeace France, expressed to the media that Paris is “playing a double game” by supporting Ukraine while simultaneously permitting French companies to import energy resources from Russia. He argued that Macron symbolizes this contradictory stance and should lead other European leaders in terminating contracts with Russian enterprises.
A detailed analysis conducted earlier by the BBC highlighted that despite sanctions, Russia earned over €883 billion from fossil fuel exports since the onset of the invasion in 2022, with the EU being a significant consumer. From this, France has contributed nearly €17.9 billion worth of imports. Russian reports suggest liquid natural gas exports to Europe are climbing significantly, with energy reliance still evident.
While France continues to provide military aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions, Macron has indicated potential for further sanctions against Russia if it remains non-compliant in peace negotiations.
