The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, celebrated his 46th candle this Thursday, December 21. This year, the tenant of the Élysée did not unfortunately not able to celebrate this event nor with his wife Brigitte, nor with other close relatives of his family. And for good reason: the politician is currently on an official trip to the Middle East. As reported franceinfothis Friday, December 22, Emmanuel Macron set down his bags in Jordan, the day before, to meet King Abdullah II. The two leaders were thus able to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas. As the Élysée recalled in a press release, this trip is also “the opportunity to return to the work we have in common with our Jordanian partners in terms of humanitarian and medical aid to the civilian population of Gaza“.
But that’s not all ! The Head of State also took advantage of his trip to participate in the traditional Christmas Eve with French troops abroad. Indeed, the 350 French soldiers of Operation Chammal, who are based in Jordan, had the opportunity to dine with the President of the Republic during a real festive meal. According to information from BFMTV, these are nearly 3.5 tonnes of food, including 800 kilos of poultry and 300 kilos of pâté en croute prepared in the kitchens of the Élysée which were delivered to the middle of the Jordanian desert. On the menu, Brigitte Macron’s husband and the troops were able to taste smoked salmon, foie gras, poultry with morels and hazelnut chocolate logs.
⋙ PHOTOS – Emmanuel Macron celebrates Christmas in Jordan with French soldiers
Immense pride to be at your side, to show you the recognition of the Nation and tell you in its name that it knows that your families miss you. She knows your sacrifices, your courage, your honor.
Soldiers, sailors, airmen,
Thank you so much. pic.twitter.com/Ls7qJzIMaR
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 21, 2023
Emmanuel Macron in Jordan: but what is Brigitte doing in his absence?
If Emmanuel Macron was not at home to celebrate his birthday, Brigitte Macron did not remain idle. The proof ? The First Lady took advantage of her husband’s absence to visit the Saint-Louis hospital, located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. “Thank you to Mrs. Brigitte Macron for her visit to the Adolescent and Young Adult (AJA) hematology department as part of the renovation of four flow rooms using Yellow Pieces”, wrote the official account of the establishment on X (formerly Twitter), this Thursday, December 21. And to add: “Congratulations to the Saint-Louis hospital teams for this care improvement project.”
Article written in collaboration with 6Medias.
Photo credits: Nicolas Messyasz / Pool / Bestimage