Guards Collapse Near Emmanuel Macron During State Arrival
Two members of the French Republican Guard lost consciousness in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace in Paris, just steps away from President Emmanuel Macron, as reported by Nova.bg and BTV Novinite. The unexpected incident unfolded during the official welcoming ceremony for Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, according to Reuters.
Footage broadcast by BFM TV captured the first guardsman saluting before beginning to sway and collapsing in the portico of the presidential residence, Town.bg reported. Reuters footage showed the Slovak leader’s car stopping at the exact moment the guard lost his balance, dropped his saber, and fell to the ground.
“What the hell is going on?”, a man exclaimed on a video cited by Mediapool.bg.
Protocol Resumes Amid Second Guard Collapse
President Macron heard the sound of the fall, turned around, and approached the unconscious guard, Nova.bg noted. Palace staff quickly carried the guardsman away from the ceremony area, while Pellegrini stepped out of his vehicle and waited near the steps, according to BFM TV.
After a brief pause, Macron continued the welcoming protocol and greeted the Slovak president at the palace entrance, Mediapool.bg stated. As the two heads of state exchanged greetings, a second guardsman on the opposite side of the courtyard also collapsed and dropped his saber, Nova.bg reported.
Several journalists reacted to the unfolding scene, while Macron turned to his Slovak counterpart and escorted him inside the palace, BFM TV noted through BTA. The two leaders proceeded with their scheduled talks on strategic partnership, EU enlargement, the war in Ukraine, and energy security, according to Mediapool.bg.
Authorities withhold details on guards' health status
Authorities have not released any information regarding the medical condition of the two guards or the reasons behind their sudden fainting spells, Mediapool.bg reported.
The meeting between Macron and Pellegrini continued as planned following the dual incidents, Mediapool.bg stated. Neither the French presidency nor the Republican Guard provided further details concerning the physical state of the servicemen by the time reports were published.
Questions about the Elysee Palace incident
Who was visiting the Elysee Palace when the incident occurred?
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini was visiting Paris for official talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, as reported by Mediapool.bg.
Which military unit did the guards belong to?
The servicemen were members of the French Republican Guard, according to Nova.bg and Town.bg.
What topics did Macron and Pellegrini discuss after the ceremony?
The two leaders discussed strategic partnership, European Union enlargement, the war in Ukraine, and energy security, Mediapool.bg reported.
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