Following French President Emmanuel Macron’s much-criticized televised speech about his controversial pension reform, a video emerged of the president singing in the street. Many internet users suspected on Tuesday that the video had been faked using artificial intelligence or other means. However, Macron’s circle said the video was genuine.
“The president took a moment with his wife after his speech,” the AFP news agency from the area of Macron learned. “They were approached by a group of young people who were singing. (…) So he sang along to a song from the Pyrenees that he loves and knows.” The song “Le Refuge” was sung – but the president had to read the lyrics from his smartphone. Around him, several men in their twenties or thirties sing along fervently.
Liederverein is said to have extreme right-wing traits
The recording was first published on the Facebook page of an organization called Projet Canto with the comment, “Only the mafia and Projet Canto make a head of state sing.” The organization says it is committed to preserving traditional songs in digital form. The left-wing French newspaper Liberation reported last year that the organization was founded by far-right activists and that the app also offers recordings of Nazi-related songs. Macron’s circle said on Monday that the president “could not know the background of every person he spoke to at the moment”.
Criticized for pension reform
Macron has pushed through a gradual increase in the retirement age in France against massive opposition. The reform drove crowds of protesters across the country. In his televised speech on Monday evening, Macron explicitly addressed the mass protests for the first time and offered a dialogue to the trade unions. At the same time, he justified the pension reform where necessary.
The speech was met with massive criticism. Opposition politicians accused the head of state of being ruthless and unworldly. There is also criticism of the president’s actions within Macron’s government. Macron should “spend more time on the ground,” said a cabinet member who wished to remain anonymous.
Source: Krone
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