Original article (in Albanian) was published on 1/4/2024; Author: Ilda Hoxha
Claim: A photo of President Macron on a unicorn illustrates the difference between him and Putin
Verdict: False, Altered image
Following incorrect reports that France would deploy two thousand soldiers to Ukraine—a claim refuted by French authorities—President Emmanuel Macron has become a target of Russian propaganda. The primary narrative focuses on portraying Macron as lacking masculinity compared to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is depicted as a resolute leader.
A photo circulating that supposedly shows French President Emmanuel Macron in a pink pool float and wearing a suit is fake. Albanian fact-checker Faktoje confirmed that the image has been altered to mock the French president.
In the narrative accompanying this manipulated image, another photo juxtaposes Putin and Macron, allegedly to compare their power. Putin is depicted shirtless, riding a horse, while Macron is portrayed on a pink unicorn pool float.
| PUTIN – MACRON See the difference @zgjohuni |
How Accurate Are the Published Images?
Faktoje conducted an image search for both of them. The photo depicting the Russian leader shirtless and riding a horse is authentic. It was taken in 2009 in Siberia and has been widely circulated as a demonstration of his rugged persona.
On the other hand, the image showing French President Emmanuel Macron in a pink pool float, wearing a suit, is not genuine. Our verification through Google Image Search revealed that this photo first began circulating on the platform X since March 18, and it has been confirmed as edited to mock the French president.
‘France is preparing a contingent to send to Ukraine, which will initially consist of about 2,000 soldiers,’ stated Sergei Naryshkin, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service, as reported by users on X, where other manipulated photos of President Macron are also being circulated.
Several elements further cast doubt on the authenticity of the photo depicting President Macron in a pool float. Notable editing traces can be seen in the water portion of the image. Additionally, while the horse’s head looks realistic, the area where it attaches to the body clearly displays signs of manipulation. Furthermore, Macron’s right hand is positioned awkwardly around the horse’s neck.
Undoubtedly, the fact that Macron is wearing a suit—highly inappropriate attire for a swim—suggests that this image was digitally created using a photo from a public appearance.
In an effort to counter this propaganda, the French president’s staff has released several photos of him boxing. However, this move has received more criticism than support from the French public, indicating mixed reactions to the attempt to bolster his image.
Photo of Macron boxing