World

French president scolds boy for calling him 'Manu'

A video of French President Emmanuel Macron strongly admonishing a teenager who called him by a nickname is going viral on social media.

'You call me Mr. President of the Republic,' Macron tells teen during De Gaulle historical event near Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron takes a selfie with children during Monday's ceremony marking the 78th anniversary of the late French General Charles de Gaulle's resistance call at the Mont Valerien memorial in Suresnes, near Paris. (Charles Platiau/Reuters)

A video of French President Emmanuel Macron strongly admonishing a teenager who called him by a nickname is going viral on social media.

A teenager asked Macron "How's it going, Manu?" — using a diminutive for Macron's first name — at a ceremony Monday for the 78th anniversary of Charles De Gaulle's historic appeal for armed resistance against Nazi tyranny.

President Emmanuel Macron, left, was visiting Fort Mont-Valérien near Paris when he gave a lesson in manners to the teen on the right. (Twitter/EmmanuelMacron)

Macron responded: "Call me Mr. President of the republic or sir." He then added: "The day you want to start a revolution, get a degree and learn to feed yourself, OK? You can start lecturing others then."

Macron tweeted a video of the discussion, sparking a lot of comments Tuesday. Some people criticized the French leader for his perceived arrogance while others approved of his demand for respect.

French president dresses down heckling teen at WW II ceremony

6 years ago
Duration 1:23
Emmanuel Macron tells young man to get a diploma before leading 'a revolution'