French President Emmanuel Macron has been photographed riding a jet ski in the Mediterranean during his summer break at the Fort de Brégançon, sparking criticism from environmentalists as wildfires continue to rage across France. The images show Macron speeding through the water on a vehicle that consumes more petrol per kilometre than the average car.
Macron, who was re-elected last spring, insists his three-week stay is a 'summer study break' rather than a holiday, and he continues to carry out presidential duties. On Tuesday, he held a phone call with outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reaffirming their commitment to support Ukraine against Russia's invasion. They also discussed deeper cooperation on immigration to dismantle smuggling networks arranging Channel crossings.
Green Party MP Sandrine Rousseau accused Macron of 'not understanding' climate change, saying the jet ski images confirm a 'persistent impression' of ignorance. The president also faced accusations of hypocrisy after photographers were tipped off when he used a canoe — a more environmentally friendly option — but were kept unaware when he switched to the motorised jet ski.
The controversy comes amid a deadly heatwave that has sparked forest fires across France. On Thursday, Macron thanked Germany, Greece, Poland, Romania and Austria for providing help to firefighters battling eight major blazes, including a massive one in the southwest. Officials warned that flare-ups could cause further spread of the Landiras fire, which erupted in July, destroying 14,000 hectares and forcing thousands to evacuate.
