Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France since 2017, has faced several controversies and public allegations during his tenure. In 2018, his security aide Alexandre Benalla was placed under formal investigation after being filmed assaulting protesters, leading to police and parliamentary inquiries. A 2025 Senate investigation concluded that the French government, including the presidency, knew of and covered up illegal treatment of mineral water by Nestlé Waters since at least 2022. Additionally, Macron has been criticized by opposition figures for appointing political allies with histories of legal allegations to government positions. Other notable controversies include disinformation campaigns, such as a 2026 Russian-linked operation that falsely attempted to link him to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In 2025, Macron and his wife Brigitte sued conservative commentator Candace Owens for defamation in a Delaware court, following online claims that the first lady was transgender and that the couple had committed fraud and abuse of power. These claims, along with allegations of an incestual relationship and CIA involvement, are described by the presidential couple as false and defamatory.