US EditionTurkey’s Erdogan Grabs France’s Macron and Won’t Let Go at European Summit
- On May 17, 2025, during the European Political Community gathering held in Tirana, Albania, President Erdogan unexpectedly grasped and briefly held President Macron's finger while they were shaking hands.
- This occurred amid diplomatic tensions between Turkey and France over NATO expansion and their differing responses to Russia's war in Ukraine.
- During the awkward moment, Macron attempted to assert dominance by placing his hand on Erdogan’s shoulder, while Erdogan maintained a firm grip before releasing it seconds later.
- Turkish and Russian media described Erdogan’s action as a deliberate power move, with one outlet calling it a “Finger trap” that countered Macron’s gestures of control.
- The interaction sparked widespread online discussion about leadership dynamics, highlighting ongoing geopolitical friction and contrasting approaches within NATO allies.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Erdogan made it clear to Macron that the "trick will not work" with him — Pushkov: EADaily
EADaily, May 19th, 2025. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made it clear to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that such a trick as familiarity will not work with him, said the Senator of the Federation Council of the Republic of Moldova Alexei Pushkov.
Turkey's same old habit of punching above its weight? Erdogan awkwardly holds Macron's finger, stops him
In what came as a bizarre moment from Turkey's leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he can be observed awkwardly holding French President Emmanuel Macron's finger during the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, sparking buzz online. In a viral video, Macron can be seen reaching out to the Turkish President for a handshake; however, Erdogan, in an unusual gesture, grasped the French leader's finger and kept holding it. Macron, meanwhile,…
Powerplay By Turkey? Erdogan Grabbing Macron's Finger Makes Headlines
French President Emmanuel Macron and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, shared an unusual interaction during the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana that has sparked buzz online.
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