Statue of Liberty (gigazine.net)
A new controversy surrounds the 'Statue of Liberty', an emblem of historic associations between the US and France. Raphael Gluxmann, who represents the European Parliament and serves as the co-chairman of a French leftist party, demanded the US hand it over to him. America, according to him, no longer deserves this part of their historical legacy. The Statue of Liberty is more than a statue, it's a symbol for freedom and democracy. This cultural heritage erected in New York, USA, was donated by France to America back in 1886.
It was because the two nations had faith in identical democratic principles. But today, almost 140 years down the line, controversy has once again flared in France. It's a question, does America deserve this donation anymore? The row gained momentum after Raphael Gluxmann, an MP in the European Parliament and co-leader of France's left-wing party, called for the Statue of Liberty to be repatriated to the US. He alleges that America no longer deserves this historic legacy.
"Return the Statue of Liberty," Gluxman told to audience. America has begun to join forces with dictators. Scientists who are calling for freedom in research are being dismissed. We had bequeathed this idol but now it appears they do not value it. It will be happier and safer with us. Gluxman's words received thunderous applause from his French supporters. His words came amid mounting divergences between the US and Europe on several policy matters, especially on Ukraine military aid.
On this matter, the United Nations cultural body UNESCO has made it clear that the Statue of Liberty is the property of America. Actually, this statue was given as a gift to America by France in 1884. Its purpose was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of American independence in 1776. But its construction was delayed due to the Franco-Prussian War (1870). The French government paid for its construction, and the US raised money for its pedestal. The sculpture, sent in 350 pieces, was officially erected in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886.
None the less, there has been no help from the French government towards Gluxman. President Emmanuel Macron has refused to comment. Macron is already struggling to hold in between the policies of US. They do not want to fight with Trump's administration but oppose certain Trump policies, most importantly the escalation of trade tariffs.
When queried for a White House response to the uproar, Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt stated it was rebuffed. He asserted the Statue of Liberty is America's birthright and there is no talk of giving it back. Levitt said that it was America who saved them from Germans or they would be speaking German today.
France cannot forget that America assisted it during the First and Second World Wars. They should always be thankful for this. Nonetheless, the assertion forgot France's historical role during the American War of Independence (1775-1783).
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