Macron criticized for jet ski photos during French heatwave and wildfires

French President Emmanuel Macron has drawn sharp criticism following the publication of photographs showing him riding a jet ski during his vacation at the Brégançon fortress. The images, featured on the cover of Paris Match magazine, were taken amidst a severe heatwave and widespread wildfires across France. Olivier Faure, the first secretary of the Socialist Party, publicly denounced Macron, stating, "During the heatwave, when France is burning, when a part of the French people could not go on vacation, the president is having fun on a jet ski in Brégançon. Is that the message? Very successful." The photograph depicts Macron in profile, wearing sunglasses, on a moving jet ski, with the headline "The last summer at the helm." This image appears to have been taken with the presidency's consent and echoes criticisms from previous summer holidays at the presidential residence. While the magazine's interior article mentions Macron's vacation also includes boxing, running, and surfing, Faure's criticism focused solely on the jet ski image. The article also notes another cover photo of Raphaël Glucksmann kissing his partner Léa Salamé on a Corsican beach, mentioning Glucksmann's potential presidential candidacy. Macron's vacation activities have previously drawn criticism from political opponents, particularly when juxtaposed with national crises.

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During the heatwave, when France is burning, when a part of the French people could not go on vacation, the president is having fun on a jet ski in Brégançon. Is that the message? Very successful.