Paris (France) (AFP) – From open-mic moments to photos taking leaders off guard, the G7 summit in France provided a rare chance to see how world leaders behave behind closed doors. With the summit dominated by US President Donald Trump, but with several other charismatic leaders present, the three-day meeting on the shores of Lake Geneva provided its fair share of colourful moments. Here AFP chooses five of the most memorable:
– Quitting smoking, Italian style – “I have to take a coffee,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, picked up by open microphones as she entered a morning G7 summit session. “And a cigarette…?” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz chipped in, apparently well accustomed to his far-right Italian counterpart’s habits. “No, I stopped,” said Meloni, prompting EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen to cheer “bravo.” “One month ago,” explained Meloni. EU Council chief Antonio Costa, asked by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said he had stopped in 2005. “21 years ago… never gone back,” Costa said.
– Divided football loyalties – The ripples from the victory of Paris-Saint-Germain, a football team owned by a state Qatari investment fund, in the Champions League reached the negotiating table. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, attending the summit as a guest, could not resist teasing Macron, an avowed fan of PSG’s bitter southern rivals Olympique de Marseille. “He is not happy, he pretends he is happy,” said Tamim. “But from inside…””No, I am happy,” Macron rapidly shot back. “This is a French team, don’t say that.” “They made a back-to-back, they won two times,” he said, referring to PSG’s achievement in retaining the European title.
– ‘Handsome’ and ‘rich’ – Trump’s remarks at a meeting with United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a key regional player, were marked not just by comments on geopolitics. He complimented an Emirati journalist who asked a question, describing the man known as MBZ as a “handsome guy” whom “I can put…right now in a movie.” “He’s got such a nice way about him. My people are so mean,” mused Trump, referring to the US media. After MBZ spoke without at any moment raising his voice, Trump quipped: “When you are that rich you can speak that low. I was just wondering if anyone can hear that!” “You do not have to do any strain to the voice. He is great,” Trump purred.
– Number 47 – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday handed President Donald Trump a German national team football jersey in honour of his 80th birthday and the World Cup, pointedly adding “after all we’re on the same team.” Merz produced the shirt of Die Mannschaft and handed it to Trump, who received it smiling as Starmer looked on, possibly wondering if he should have got the American president a Three Lions shirt. The German jersey had the name “Trump” emblazoned on the back along with the number 47, in reference to his status as the 47th president of the United States. If the US team are not on the pitch, Trump could find himself cheering for Germany in the World Cup — his grandfather was born there.
– ‘The boss’ – As host, Macron was officially chairing the summit but Trump left no doubt over who he believed was in charge. “I’m the boss,” Trump said as he strode in to the morning session of the last day, with the other leaders already in their seats. Amid the laughter, Macron appeared to take the comment with good humour. “How are you?” the French president asked. “Good, thank you,” replied Trump, a tycoon before becoming president who famously hosted the TV show “The Apprentice” with its catchphrase “You’re fired!”, as he finally took his seat.
© 2024 AFP
