• Source:JND
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A picture of French President Emmanuel Macron tightly embracing his Sports Minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera, at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Tuesday has gone viral on social media, causing a stir among netizens.

In the picture, Oudea-Castera is seen kissing close to Macron's neck. France's Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, is seen looking away as Oudea-Castera embraces the president. The photos have sparked a buzz in France, with users relating the affectionate display to that of a lover's embrace. 

The French magazine Madame Figaro first drew attention to the intriguing photo, describing the kiss as “strange” and suggesting that Oudéa-Castéra has a tendency to seek attention.

‘That’s a curious embrace’

Many netizens highlighted the awkwardness of the photo, noting that Prime Minister Gabriel Attal was standing next to them but looking away. This led many to speculate that it was a deliberate choice by Attal to avoid witnessing the public display of affection.

"Damn son! That’s a curious embrace,” said a netizen.

“Gabriel Attal, he pretends to look elsewhere! He doesn’t know where to stand,” said another. 

“I find this photo indecent, it’s not worthy of a president and a minister," said another. 

While a few netizens were quick to judge the gesture and attack Macron for cheating on his wife, others came to his support. A netizen wrote, “I don't see the harm in it. The French are known for kissing on both cheeks as a greeting. Vive La France!. ”

Another netizen slammed the media coverage, saying, “Rightwing coverage of the Olympics is just loudly not understanding other cultures.”

Oudéa-Castéra served as head of a superministry for national education, youth, sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, in January, Oudéa-Castéra was removed from the role of education minister after it was revealed that her children attended elite private schools and she had made critical comments about public schools.