Greenpeace removes a wax statue of Macron due to French trade with Russia

Greenpeace activists moved a wax sculpture of French President Emmanuel Macron, which was displayed at the Grevin Museum of Paris, to the Russian embassy on Monday in protest of French business ties and the lack of climate action.

Greenpeace stated that Macron did not "deserve to be displayed in this world-renowned institution of culture until he terminates French contracts with Russia, and drives an ambitious and sustainable eco-transition across Europe."

The French presidency did not respond to a request for comment immediately.

Greenpeace's spokesperson confirmed that the activists entered the museum as regular visitors on Monday and proceeded to the room with Macron's wax figure.

The activists quickly removed the statue from the building and departed, where they were met by other activists with a vehicle.

The spokesperson stated that the museum was not informed of the incident beforehand.

The Grevin Museum was not available to comment immediately. According to its website, it displays waxwork figures depicting more than 200 famous individuals.

Greenpeace France Director Jean-Francois Julliard said: "We don't deny the financial, diplomatic and political support that France and Europe provide to Ukraine."

"But, if we are to be consistent and coherent, we cannot on one hand support Ukraine, while on the other continue to import massive amounts of gas and chemical fertilisers and uranium."

France, Belgium, and Spain are among the top importers of LNG in Europe.

Some imports are subject to long-term contracts that last until 2041. These contracts are held by companies such as TotalEnergies in France, SEFE in Spain and Naturgy.

Greenpeace has said that they will return the statue, but have not confirmed when. (Reporting and Additional Reporting by Michel Rose; Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Editing by Aiden Lewis).

(source: Reuters)