Macron tested positive for COVID-19.
The Claim
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has tested positive for COVID-19.
News posted on
Emerging story
Upon discovering that the French President has contracted the virus, some social media users wished Mr. Macron well. Others began to lambast the head of state for apparently hypocritical behavior. In particular, they pointed out his apparent lack of social distancing with others, which may further spread the virus.
Misbar’s Analysis
The timing of Macron’s infection was most unfortunate indeed. Right before he developed symptoms and tested positive, Macron had been interacting with other prominent European leaders at an EU summit. Amongst those who must now isolate due to the possibility of infection are the Prime Ministers of Spain (Pedro Sánchez), Portugal (António Costa), Belgium (Alexander De Croo) and Luxembourg (Xavier Bettel). While Macron is quite young for a world leader at 42, his aforementioned peers are all older than him with most being in their late 50’s. They will doubtlessly receive the highest quality of medical treatment if needed, but whether they actually contract the virus from Macron remains to be seen.
Emmanuel Macron has now joined the exclusive group of world leaders who have been infected with COVID-19. This group includes such notable figures as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune, and US President Donald Trump.
