Macron's Sunglasses at Davos Draw Attention to Eye Issue and Global Politics
French President Emmanuel Macron made a notable appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, sporting a pair of reflective, aviator-style sunglasses with blue-tinted lenses. While the French leader is often associated with high fashion, this particular accessory choice was not merely a style statement but related to a medical condition affecting his right eye.
Background on Macron's Eye Condition
During a New Year's address to armed forces members in southern France last Thursday, Macron's right eye appeared bloodshot and swollen. He apologized for its "unsightly appearance" and reassured the assembly that it was "something completely harmless," according to reports from The Associated Press. In a lighthearted moment, he quipped that it could be seen as an unintentional reference to the "Eye of the Tiger," alluding to Survivor's 1982 hit song from Rocky III, suggesting it symbolized determination.
Prior to arriving in Davos, Macron was also seen wearing sunglasses indoors at the Elysee Palace in Paris, where he held meetings on New Caledonia and signed the Elysée-Oudinot Accord. He has not explicitly clarified whether the glasses are intended to protect his eye or simply conceal its appearance, leaving some speculation among observers.
Macron's Address at Davos Amid Diplomatic Tensions
During his speech and fireside chat at the World Economic Forum, Macron did not mention his ocular issue or the sunglasses. Instead, the 48-year-old president focused on broader geopolitical matters, particularly responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on European nations that oppose his plans to acquire Greenland.
Macron criticized what he described as relentless competition from the United States, highlighting trade agreements that he said undermine European export interests and demand maximum concessions. He emphasized that such actions, combined with an accumulation of new tariffs, are "fundamentally unacceptable," especially when used as leverage against territorial sovereignty.
In a subtle jab at Trump, who has claimed to have ended eight wars since his presidency began, Macron noted that the world saw more than 60 wars break out in 2024, calling it an "absolute record." He added, with a hint of irony from behind his sunglasses, "even if I understood a few of them were fixed." Macron concluded his remarks by stating that France favors "respect" and adhering to the "rule of law" over "bullying," and he told reporters there are no plans to speak with Trump during the forum.
Escalating Tensions with Trump
The diplomatic friction between Macron and Trump escalated recently when Macron declined an invitation to join Trump's proposed "Board of Peace," a global group inspired by a similar entity for Gaza. In response, Trump told reporters, as reported by Bloomberg, "Nobody wants him because he's going to be out of office very soon," and threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes to pressure Macron to join.
Trump later shared an apparent private text message on Truth Social in which Macron questioned the move on Greenland and offered to set up an informal G7 meeting. An official close to Macron confirmed the message's authenticity to The Associated Press. Trump is scheduled to speak at the WEF on Wednesday morning, with his address being live-streamed, and he plans to launch his "Board of Peace" on Thursday.
This incident at Davos highlights not only a personal health matter for Macron but also the ongoing tensions in international diplomacy, particularly between European leaders and the U.S. administration. As global leaders gather to discuss economic and political issues, Macron's sunglasses serve as a visual reminder of the complexities behind the scenes.
