French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face as he greeted a crowd in south-eastern France today.
Onlookers claim a man shouted ‘Down with Macronia’ before striking the politician during his visit to the Drome region.
Dramatic footage shows Macron’s security unit swoop in to protect him as they tackle an individual to the ground.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident in the town of Tain-l’Hermitage, broadcasters BFM TV and RMC radio report.
Macron remained near the crowd for a few more seconds, speaking to someone on the other side of the barriers before leaving the scene.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex has named the incident an affront to democracy.
Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon tweeted his ‘solidarity with the President’ immediately after the slap.
Meanwhile, far-right leader Marine Le Pen said ‘while democratic debate can be bitter, it can never tolerate physical violence’.
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