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In an unusual act of protest, Greenpeace activists stole a wax figure of French President Emmanuel Macron from the Grevin Museum in Paris and placed it in front of the Russian embassy. This dramatic move is part of a larger campaign criticizing France’s continued economic relations with Russia, particularly in sectors like gas, chemical fertilizers, and nuclear energy. The protest comes as France maintains a strong diplomatic stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while still allowing some economic exchanges to continue, fueling Greenpeace’s concerns.
The Heist: How Greenpeace Pulled Off the Stunt
According to a police source, the Greenpeace activists executed their plan with remarkable precision. Posing as tourists, two women and a man entered the museum, blending in until they were able to change into maintenance coats to pass as workers. They were able to distract a security guard by inquiring about a disabled access lift, allowing them to bypass security measures. After the distraction, the group used an emergency exit to remove the wax figure of President Macron, which was covered to conceal it.
The activists then transported the figure to the Russian embassy, where they placed it on display for a brief period. The wax figure, estimated to be worth €40,000, was returned with the promise that it would be “unharmed,” as assured by the activists. The museum confirmed that they had been in contact with the group, and they appeared well-prepared for the heist.
Protest Message: France’s “Double Game” with Russia
Once in front of the Russian embassy, the activists unfurled a Russian flag behind the wax figure and threw fake banknotes around. A placard reading “Business is Business” was prominently displayed. Greenpeace spokesperson Jean-Francois Julliard explained the reasoning behind the protest, stating that France is playing a “double game.” While President Macron has vocally supported Ukraine and its efforts against Russian aggression, France continues to engage in business deals with Moscow.
“Macron embodies this double discourse,” said Julliard. “He supports Ukraine but also encourages French companies to continue trading with Russia.” The activists called for an end to France’s economic dealings with Russia, urging Macron to be the first European leader to terminate these contracts. Greenpeace has been a vocal critic of any country or leader perceived to be balancing their public support for Ukraine with continued economic relations with Russia.
Macron’s Role in European Diplomacy
The protest highlights the tension between France’s diplomatic actions and its economic relations with Russia. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Macron has been one of the most prominent European leaders in supporting Ukraine, advocating for a unified European response. He has called for stronger military support for Ukraine and has played a key role in efforts to coordinate EU sanctions against Russia.
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However, France’s economic ties with Russia, particularly in the areas of energy and nuclear power, have drawn criticism. Despite the EU’s sanctions on Russia, French companies have continued to maintain business relationships, creating a perception of hypocrisy in the eyes of activists like Greenpeace.
Julliard emphasized that Macron has a unique responsibility, stating that he should lead by example and ensure that French businesses end their dealings with Russia. While Macron’s support for Ukraine is widely recognized, the protest suggests that his government’s economic dealings with Russia are seen as undermining his diplomatic efforts.
A History of Stolen Wax Figures
This isn’t the first time a wax figure has been stolen from the Grevin Museum. In 1983, the statue of then-mayor of Paris, Jacques Chirac, was taken from the museum, and it was later found at the Vincennes Zoo. Similarly, in the late 1970s, motorcyclists stole the wax figure of former President Valery Giscard d’Estaing, which was also eventually recovered.
However, unlike the previous incidents, this act of protest stands out due to its political message. Greenpeace’s stunt at the Russian embassy is part of a growing trend of activism aimed at pressuring governments to take stronger stances against Russian aggression and hold their own business sectors accountable.
