France Wants the Statue of Liberty Back? Here’s the Story
Recently, a French politician stirred the pot by suggesting that the U.S. should send the Statue of Liberty back to France. Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament, expressed this bold idea during a speech. He aimed to highlight his concern over what he sees as troubling changes in the U.S. political landscape.
Glucksmann claimed that some Americans are siding with oppressive forces and implied that they have lost appreciation for the values that Lady Liberty represents. He said, "Give us back the Statue of Liberty. It was our gift to you. But apparently you despise her. So she will be happy here with us.” His words resonated with many of his supporters.
What’s the Reality of the Statue?
Can France really claim back the statue? Not quite. The UNESCO World Heritage designation means that the statue is officially U.S. property. This iconic monument was designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi and gifted to mark the friendship between France and the United States. However, it took years to build due to various challenges, including a war in France.
When the statue was finally completed, it was shipped in over 300 pieces and officially unveiled on October 28, 1886. Both countries contributed to its construction: France funded the statue, while the U.S. covered the pedestal costs.
French Politics and U.S. Relations
Glucksmann’s statement doesn’t reflect the formal stance of the French government. Currently, President Emmanuel Macron is focused on maintaining a working relationship with the U.S. While he pushes back on certain issues—like tariffs—he also finds common ground with the current leadership.
Experts note that Macron has been careful in his approach to U.S. foreign policy. He allows voices like Prime Minister François Bayrou to critique President Trump’s policies. Bayrou expressed frustration over perceived disrespect shown towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to the White House.
In his speech, Glucksmann invoked the famous lines from Emma Lazarus’s poem, which welcome immigrants to the U.S.: the "mighty woman with a torch" stands for hope and freedom. He warned that America is straying from these ideals.
Public Reaction
On social media, reactions have been mixed. Some users supported Glucksmann’s call, feeling it reflects their worries about current political shifts in the U.S. Others found the suggestion humorous, seeing it as more of a political stunt than a serious proposal.
As discussions continue around U.S. policies and international relations, the Statue of Liberty remains a powerful symbol of freedom—a gift meant to inspire, regardless of where it stands.
In today’s context, it serves as a reminder that the values represented by the statue are just as important now as they were over a century ago. For more on the relationship between the U.S. and France, you can check out this UNESCO report about the Statue of Liberty’s significance.
Check out this related article: Elon Musk Responds to Tesla Controversy: ‘I’ve Never Physically Hurt Anyone’ – Here’s What He Said
Source linkDonald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, France, Europe, Raphal Glucksmann, United States government, General news, United States, Washington news, United States Congress, Franois Bayrou, Frdric Auguste Bartholdi, Emma Lazarus, World news, Politics, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Washington News
