French President Macron announced increased military presence in Greenland while explaining his red, swollen eye as harmless during a speech in Istres.
Macron: Sending Soldiers to Greenland
On Thursday (January 16), Emmanuel Macron met with soldiers at a military base in Istres in southern France. During his speech, the French president announced that his country would strengthen its military presence in Greenland. “The first group of French soldiers is already in place and will be reinforced in the coming days with land, air and sea means,” he stated.
Macron emphasized that Europe should be uncompromising in defending its territorial integrity and increasingly independent, while avoiding escalation of tensions. He criticized – though not directly – the actions of the United States. “A rhetoric is growing that sows doubts, even among our allies. Some are seeing a new colonialism,” he stated. Macron also announced an increase in the defense budget by 36 billion euros by 2030, so that France is prepared for a conflict of high intensity in three or four years.
“Eye of the Tiger”. Macron Explains “Harmless” Condition
During his speech, Emmanuel Macron also referred to the appearance of his eye. It was swollen and red, and outdoors the president covered it with sunglasses. “Please excuse the unsightly appearance of my eye. This is of course completely harmless,” he said.
He also made jokes about references to the “Eye of the Tiger,” referring to the film “Rocky III” and the song “Eye of the Tiger” – Associated Press emphasizes. “For those who catch the reference, it is a sign of determination,” noted Macron.