French President, Macron slapped in the face while on an official visit to South-east France

”During a visit to a small town in south-east of France on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron was smacked in the face by a man, which impelled widespread support for the president from legislators across the political spectrum.

A man wearing a Covid facemask is seen exchanging a few words with Macron as the president gets near the small group of people during a visit to TainL'Hermitage, according to a video released online. As Macron holds the man's arm, the attacker strikes the president on his face before being subdued by the presidential security detail.

The man shouted, “Down with Macronia” (“A Bas La Macronie”), before slapping the President.

A security standing close behind Macron lifted his hand in defence of the president, but it was too late to stop the smack. To protect the president, the bodyguard wrapped his arm around him and hurled him away from the attacker.

Macron only managed to move his head away as the aggressor's right hand made contact, giving the impression that Macron was hit with a grazing smack rather than a direct slap.

A statement by a spokesperson for the French President said, “A man indeed tried to hit the president. We have no further comment at that stage.”

Another video clip shows Macron returning to the scene shortly after the incident, he seen greeting other members of the small crowd.

In an interview with the local newspaper- Le Dauphine Libere, Macron characterised the assault as a "isolated act". He subsequently stated that he was not worried about his safety and that nothing would prevent him from carrying out his duties.

Macron said, "I greeted the people who were by the man's side and made pictures with them. I continued and will continue. Nothing will stop me."

Prime Minister Jean Castex remarked before the National Assembly, the lower chamber of the French parliament, “Through the head of state, it is quite simply democracy that is targeted,” he further added, “Democracy is about debate, dialogue, competing ideas, the expression of legitimate disagreement. But it can never be about violence.”

His remarks were met with a resounding applause of support by politicians across the political spectrum. Two men with no past criminal record were arrested for the shameful act against the leader of France.