Brigitte Macron’s Gesture at Hanoi Airport Raises Eyebrows

HANOÏ, Vietnam — As Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron arrived at Hanoï’s airport on Sunday evening, a moment captured on video has sparked curiosity and debate online.

The footage, released by the Associated Press, shows Emmanuel Macron still inside the aircraft when the door opens. Suddenly, Brigitte Macron’s arms appear, and she seems to bring her hands towards her husband’s face. Emmanuel Macron looks surprised but quickly turns to wave to the crowd.

As the couple descends the stairs, Emmanuel reaches for Brigitte’s arm, a gesture he often makes, but she does not take it, instead holding onto the handrail. This unexpected display has led to various interpretations on social media, especially among critics of the French president.

Initially, the Élysée Palace denied the authenticity of the footage, but it later confirmed that the images were real. An unnamed source from the president’s entourage described the incident as a simple “playful moment,” stating, “They were relaxing before the start of their trip.” This explanation did little to quell the discussions, particularly among those who see a deeper meaning in the couple’s interaction.

Emmanuel Macron is on an official visit to Vietnam as part of a Southeast Asian tour, which will also take him to Indonesia and Singapore. This visit aims to strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors such as energy, transportation, and defense. Prominent business leaders from companies including EDF, Dassault Aviation, and Airbus are accompanying Macron during this trip.

Despite the controversy, the president continues his scheduled activities, meeting with the Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Vietnam today. Their discussions will take place during a luncheon at the Temple of Literature, the country’s first university.