Emmanuel Macron passionately kisses sports minister in Paris Olympics, causes stir

New Delhi: A surprising incident has come to light from France's Paris where French President Emmanuel Macron and Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera shared a warm embrace during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. 

The image of both is getting viral on social media. The photographs show Oudea-Castera, 46, planting a kiss near Macron's neck, 46, in a gesture that has raised eyebrows. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal appears to be looking away as the two share the intimate moment. The photos have generated significant buzz in France, with many likening the display of affection to a romantic embrace.

Take a look at the image 

French President Macron’s steamy embrace and kiss with his sports minister at the Olympics raises eyebrows pic.twitter.com/QMNdsu9igv

— Royalblog (@royalblogg) July 31, 2024

Reactions on social media 

"First time he’s been kissed by a woman in years, maybe ever! LOL" commented one user.

"It's Paris. Perversion is tolerated. Americans are so up-tight," said another.

I seriously doubt a Frenchman would cheat on his wife," a third user commented on X.

Kiss sparks social media frenzy

The image sparked widespread discussion on social media after French magazine Madame Figaro published it, called the kiss "strange" and claimed that Oudea-Castera seeks to attract attention to herself.

Paris Olympics 2024

The Paris Olympics commenced with a truly unforgettable and extraordinary opening ceremony on the river Seine on Friday. It features a remarkable parade where 7,500 athletes floated along a six-kilometer stretch of the Seine on a fleet of 85 boats. 

The ceremony provided a much-needed boost for President Macron. He had faced two turbulent months marked by a snap parliamentary election called to counter the rising influence of the far-right and the formation of a new government. 

The four-hour extravaganza culminated in a breathtaking finale. The Olympic flame soared into the sky aboard a balloon-tethered cauldron as Celine Dion serenaded the city with a classic Edith Piaf song from the iconic Eiffel Tower.