Macron’s awkward hug with Iceland PM goes viral

French President Emmanuel Macron has gone viral after an awkward greeting with Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir during a European leaders’ gathering in Dublin.

The moment occurred on Thursday when Macron appeared to lean in for a hug while greeting Frostadóttir. However, the Icelandic leader seemed to step backwards, leaving the French president leaning towards her as she kept one hand on his shoulder.

The unusual exchange was captured by photographers and quickly attracted attention on social media. Frostadóttir appeared to glance towards a nearby photographer as the pair navigated the unexpected greeting.

Frostadóttir, leader of Iceland’s Social Democratic Alliance, became prime minister following the 2024 parliamentary election. She subsequently formed a coalition government with the Liberal Reform Party and the People’s Party.

The viral moment took place during the European Political Community summit, which brought together leaders from more than 40 European countries in Dublin.

The gathering focused largely on Europe’s security challenges and efforts to revive negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte were also among the prominent attendees.