A photograph of French President Emmanuel Macron receiving a passionate kiss from his sports minister has caused a stir on the Internet.
Macron, 46, was snapped sharing a tight hug with Amélie Oudéa-Castéra during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
Oudéa-Castéra, also 46, holds Macron’s neck while kissing him on the cheek as the two embrace.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal can be seen awkwardly looking away as the two exchange a close kiss.
French magazine Madame Figaro called it a “curious kiss” and said the minister “clearly knows how to get people talking about her.”
Macron, 46, was snapped sharing a close embrace with Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, also 46, during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal can be seen on the right, looking away as the two exchange a close kiss.
The outlet wrote: ‘After the opening ceremony of the Olympics, the pressure disappeared and gave way to euphoria.
In an explosion of joy, Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera and President Emmanuel Macron kissed each other. The kiss caused a great stir.
Meanwhile, online commentators were quick to highlight the close embrace between the two.
One person wrote: ‘What is this kiss between Oudea and Macron??! while another commentator added: ‘Brigitte (Macron’s wife) is not going to like it.’
Another added: “Damn son! What a funny hug!” while another added: “Ooh la la.”
One user was more critical, adding: “I find this photo indecent, it is not worthy of a president and a minister.”
However, the hug did not convince everyone: one user wrote: “I don’t see the harm in it.”
Online commentators were quick to point out the close embrace between the two.
Macron, flanked by his wife Brigitte Macron, leaves after his vote in the second round of France’s legislative elections at a polling station in Le Touquet, northern France, July 7, 2024.
‘The French are known for kissing each other on both cheeks as a form of greeting. Long live France!’
Oudéa-Castéra caused a sensation earlier this month when she dove into the River Seine in an attempt to convince the world that the river was fit for Olympic athletes.
Sharing a video on social media, she said: “Promise kept,” referring to an earlier promise she had made to get into the water before the Games.
Despite this, several events have already had to be postponed due to problems related to water quality.
Concerns about cleanliness led to the men’s triathlon being postponed on Tuesday, with officials hoping the swimming portion will take place soon after a cleanup.
Organizers said they hope to hold the men’s triathlon on Wednesday, with the women’s competition also scheduled for that day.
Both projects will only go ahead if water tests show acceptable levels of E. coli and other bacteria.