French MEP Proposes Return of Statue of Liberty Amid U.S. Political Criticism
The suggestion by Raphaël Glucksmann reflects tensions over U.S. foreign policy and domestic actions.
Raphaël Glucksmann, a Member of the European Parliament from the French Socialist Party, has sparked discussions by proposing that the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States in 1886, should be returned to France.
Glucksmann's remarks came during a party convention where he criticized the U.S. for what he perceives as an alignment with authoritarian regimes.
The MEP expressed his sentiments regarding the Statue of Liberty’s significance, stating, "We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it.
So it will be just fine here at home.” His comments have been interpreted as a reaction to the United States' foreign policy decisions, particularly its recent actions concerning Ukraine.
The U.S. had paused aid to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, a decision that had raised concerns in Europe regarding American support for democratic nations.
Glucksmann's remarks reflect a broader discontent in Europe regarding U.S. political leadership, particularly referring to former President Donald Trump's approach to international relationships and his public statements about authoritarian figures.
He highlighted the long-standing admiration that Trump has shown towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has been met with scrutiny from various European leaders.
In addition to his comments about the Statue of Liberty, Glucksmann indicated that France could provide refuge for American researchers who might find themselves out of work due to shifts in U.S. domestic policies.
He noted, "If you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, have made your country the world's leading power, then we're going to welcome them."
The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is inscribed with the famous words, "Give me your tired, your poor.
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," symbolizing welcome and refuge for immigrants.
Glucksmann's comments come amid ongoing discussions in the U.S. about immigration policies and potential deportations under the Trump administration, which has proposed stricter immigration enforcement and travel restrictions affecting numerous countries.
Glucksmann's remarks came during a party convention where he criticized the U.S. for what he perceives as an alignment with authoritarian regimes.
The MEP expressed his sentiments regarding the Statue of Liberty’s significance, stating, "We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it.
So it will be just fine here at home.” His comments have been interpreted as a reaction to the United States' foreign policy decisions, particularly its recent actions concerning Ukraine.
The U.S. had paused aid to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, a decision that had raised concerns in Europe regarding American support for democratic nations.
Glucksmann's remarks reflect a broader discontent in Europe regarding U.S. political leadership, particularly referring to former President Donald Trump's approach to international relationships and his public statements about authoritarian figures.
He highlighted the long-standing admiration that Trump has shown towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has been met with scrutiny from various European leaders.
In addition to his comments about the Statue of Liberty, Glucksmann indicated that France could provide refuge for American researchers who might find themselves out of work due to shifts in U.S. domestic policies.
He noted, "If you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, have made your country the world's leading power, then we're going to welcome them."
The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is inscribed with the famous words, "Give me your tired, your poor.
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," symbolizing welcome and refuge for immigrants.
Glucksmann's comments come amid ongoing discussions in the U.S. about immigration policies and potential deportations under the Trump administration, which has proposed stricter immigration enforcement and travel restrictions affecting numerous countries.
