Macron in Vietnam: fun moment or serious rivalry with Brigitte?

Macron in Vietnam: fun moment or serious rivalry with Brigitte?

Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived in Vietnam on May 29, 2025, where they will embark on a significant trip to Southeast Asia. This trip was accompanied by an incident on the plane that immediately attracted attention. A video documenting the couple's arrival shows a moment in which Brigitte Macron shoves her husband in the face. This act caused a lot of speculation on social media.

Macron explained that it was not a slap in the face, but a “fun moment” between him and his wife. The Elysée Palace described the event as a “moment of intimacy” and made it clear that it was not a dispute. Brigitte was wearing a red top, which meant the hand that hit Macron was believed to be hers. An adviser to the president also pointed out a fake that was being circulated by Russian media. Despite the reporting, Macron called on the public to calm down as many videos of the scene were misunderstood.

Debate on social media

The incident prompted numerous comments as well as jokes on social media about the relationship between the French president and his wife. Macron himself concluded a number of important agreements during his visit to Vietnam. These include, among other things, the sale of over 20 Airbus aircraft as well as topics such as nuclear energy, defense and earth observation satellites.

After the video of Brigitte pushing her husband went viral online, Macron's office confirmed the authenticity of the images but was initially skeptical. A trusted friend of the president described the incident as a minor "argument" between a married couple and downplayed it. This account was also supported by another member of his entourage, who spoke of a moment of relaxation.

Goals of the trip

Macron's visit to Vietnam is the first stop on a nearly week-long tour of Southeast Asia that also includes Indonesia and Singapore. The aim of this trip is to present France as a reliable alternative to the USA and China, especially in times of economic uncertainty due to the ongoing trade conflict between these two world powers.

Since their marriage in 2007, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron have been one of the most famous couples in French politics. They met when Emmanuel was still a student and Brigitte was his teacher. The latest incident shows how personal moments can generate significant public attention and debate, particularly in the political arena.

With his numerous agreements and his charming way of acting even in delicate situations, Macron wants to ensure that Franco-Vietnamese relations are strengthened while at the same time drawing attention to his family and the dynamics of his marriage.

[Merkur] reports that the trip targets important economic ventures and strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. But the plane incident may bring out another, more humane facet of Macron that resonates with the international public.

[CBS News] highlights that Brigitte did not take her husband's arm during the official greeting by Vietnamese officials, raising further concerns about the couple's relationship.