Greenpeace's Daring Protest: Macron's Waxwork Heist and the Russian Connection
Stolen Wax Figure of French President Macron from Museum During Protest Recovered
In a bold move, Greenpeace activists swiped a wax figure of President Emmanuel Macron from the Grévin Museum in Paris, turning it into a symbol of protest against France's economic ties with Russia. The waxwork, valued at around $45,500, was first displayed outside the Russian embassy, then outside the headquarters of French electricity giant EDF, accompanied by a sign denouncing Macron for insufficient action against Russia's economic stranglehold, particularly in the energy sector.
This audacious heist highlighted the ongoing debacle surrounding France's imports from Russia, a controversy that has amplified since the invasion of Ukraine. Greenpeace aimed to put the spotlight on Macron, as French companies are allegedly still importing a wide range of goods from Russia[4], including energy resources. Reports suggest that these imports include enriched uranium for French nuclear power plants, natural uranium passing through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan via Russia, liquefied natural gas, and chemical fertilizers.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to fuel geopolitical tension, Greenpeace's critique focuses on the controversial persistence of economic ties between France and Russia[3]. The protests specifically point fingers at the surge in Russian fertilizer imports into the EU, which saw an increase of some 80% between 2021 and 2023 according to French fertiliser manufacturers[3]. The activists demanded that Macron step up and assume responsibility for the maintained trade with Russia, particularly in the nuclear sector.
Greenpeace stresses the importance of reassessing France's economic relationship with Russia in the face of international sanctions and diplomatic pressure aiming to economically isolate the Russian regime. The group insists that continued economic ties give tacit support to Russia's aggressive actions. The daring heist of Macron's waxwork and its subsequent display near the EDF headquarters is a powerful statement from Greenpeace, pressing for a stronger stance against Russian aggression from France.
According to reports, the activists planned their museum infiltration meticulously. On Monday, posing as tourists, they entered the museum, changed into worker-like attire, and made their exit through an emergency exit with the waxwork in tow[2]. The museum spokeswoman acknowledged the group's thorough research and preparation, expressing surprise at their successful heist. As the authorities returned Macron's statue to the Grevin Museum, the message from Greenpeace remains clear: it's time for France to take a firm stand against Russia.
- In light of the ongoing tension between Russia and Ukraine, Greenpeace has criticized France's policy-and-legislation regarding imports from Russia, particularly its continued trade in energy resources and chemical fertilizers.
- The bold protest by Greenpeace, involving the theft and public display of a wax figure of President Emmanuel Macron, underscores the political implications of France's economic ties with Russia, emphasizing the need for a stronger stance in the general-news realm.
