Macron jogs through Ankara streets before NATO summit, greets locals

French President Emmanuel Macron took to the streets of Ankara for his morning run ahead of the NATO summit, offering a rare glimpse of a world leader engaging with the city's residents. Macron began his jog from his hotel in the Cankaya district, an area known for its government buildings and foreign embassies, heading towards Seğmenler Park.

Accompanied by bodyguards and a translator, Macron, sporting his signature aviator sunglasses, greeted passersby and journalists with a cheerful "Bonjour!". The roughly hour-long run allowed him to interact with locals who were surprised to see an international leader so accessible, as they are typically shielded by official convoys and stringent security measures.

Turkish authorities had previously denied reports that specific routes were closed for Macron's run. The capital was already under heightened security due to the NATO summit, which includes leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Macron is known for his dedication to maintaining his running routine, even during international travel. He has been photographed jogging during previous visits to China, India, and Egypt. Following his morning exercise, Macron was scheduled to participate in the North Atlantic Council meeting and hold bilateral discussions as part of the Ankara summit.

This isn't the first time Macron's sunglasses have garnered attention. In January 2026, he wore them during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, shortly after appearing in public with a visibly reddened eye. The aviator-style glasses he wore reportedly caused a stir in financial markets, leading to a nearly 28% increase in shares for their Italian manufacturer, iVision Tech.

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Bonjour!