French President Emmanuel Macron is facing criticism following a controversial chant at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games, held in Paris from August 28 to September 8.
During the event, Macron participated in a chant that included the phrase “He who doesn’t jump is not French,” while on stage with disabled athletes. The chant, intended to celebrate the success of French athletes, was met with immediate confusion and visible discomfort from the Paralympians in attendance.
Footage of the incident shows athletes in wheelchairs looking perplexed and unsure how to respond to the President’s actions.
The phrase “Macron Jump” quickly went viral on social media, with users criticizing the French President for what many perceived as insensitive behavior.
“For his first public appearance jumping, Macron chose to do so in front of a crowd in wheelchairs. End of joke,” wrote one user on X.
Pour sa première apparition publique en train de sautiller, Macron a choisi de le faire devant une foule en fauteuil roulant.
Fin de la blague #JO2024 #Paralympics2024 pic.twitter.com/YGMqawWkTj
— Le Malou (@LeMalinux) September 15, 2024
“Macron decided to jump up and down and applaud in front of the disabled Paralympic athletes… who obviously can’t do that,” added another.
Macron decidió saltar y aplaudir frente a los atletas paralímpicos discapacitados… quienes obviamente no pueden hacer eso. pic.twitter.com/2tHb7mSR3g
— Ciudadano Soberano 🌴 (@ciudadanosober) September 16, 2024