Greenpeace activists steal Macron wax figure amid protest against Russian contracts

In France, on June 2, 2025, Greenpeace activists executed a daring operation by removing a wax figure of President Emmanuel Macron from the Grevin Museum in Paris. This act was part of a larger protest against France's economic ties with Russia, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The activists, disguised as tourists, took advantage of the museum's security measures, posing as maintenance workers and slipping out with the statue covered in a blanket. They managed to leave the museum through an emergency exit, showcasing their meticulous planning and execution. Following the theft, the activists displayed the wax figure outside the Russian embassy, emphasizing their demands for France to sever its economic agreements with Moscow. They unfurled a Russian flag and distributed fake banknotes while holding a placard that read, “Business is business.” This staged event was meant to draw attention to what they described as a 'double game' played by the French government, where Macron is seen as supporting Ukraine's sovereignty while simultaneously encouraging French companies to continue trading with Russia. Jean-Francois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France, articulated the group's position, stating that the President of France bears particular responsibility for ending those trade contracts. The actions taken by the activists reflect a growing tension within France where public sentiment is increasingly critical of engagements that appear to undermine a firm stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recently, French lawmakers have been vocal against such economic interactions, but the tone set by the President complicates public perception. The wax figure theft isn’t entirely unprecedented, as statues of other political figures have previously been stolen under various circumstances. However, this instance is significant not only for its audacity but also its timing, as it directly correlates with a global outcry for change regarding the war in Ukraine and the subsequent impact on international trade policies. The protesters' actions were aimed at raising awareness and catalyzing further public discourse regarding France’s position and obligations in the evolving geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict.